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Best Vegan Prenatal Vitamins for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Written by the Magali Russell

best vegan prenatal vitamins pregnancy breastfeeding

Pregnancy and breastfeeding reshaped how I think about nutrition. It stopped being just about eating well for myself and became about supporting another life with intention and care. That shift made me look far more closely at the quality of supplements I was taking.

This growing awareness isn’t unique. According to Statista, the global prenatal vitamin market was valued at approximately 319.6 million U.S. dollars, highlighting how many women now prioritise prenatal nutrition. Yet despite this growth, not all supplements offer the same quality, especially for those seeking clean, plant-based options.

That’s where vegan prenatal vitamins, like those from Plusbaby, excel in providing targeted nutritional support. According to systematic reviews, well-planned vegan diets during pregnancy and lactation may reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and excessive weight gain, while being safe for both mother and child when supplemented appropriately.

These vitamins are formulated with bioavailable, plant-derived nutrients, such as methylfolate (a more absorbable form of folate), vegan vitamin D3 for bone health, and ferrous bisglycinate iron that’s gentler on the digestive system; helping to optimise nutrient absorption, maintain energy levels, and minimise common discomforts like nausea or constipation throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In this guide, informed by evidence-based insights from Plusbaby’s focus on maternal wellness, we explore the essential criteria for selecting effective vegan prenatal vitamins. Drawing from systematic reviews on plant-based nutrition during pregnancy, such as those indicating that adequately supplemented vegan diets can support optimal maternal and fetal outcomes while potentially lowering risks of gestational diabetes and hypertension, we emphasise key factors like bioavailable nutrient forms (e.g., methylfolate and ferrous bisglycinate) in high-quality vegan prenatal multivitamins.

This approach helps ensure comprehensive support for energy maintenance, immune function, and fetal development across all stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you’re planning ahead, this guide on women’s fertility in Switzerland explains the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs before conception.

What are vegan prenatal vitamins?

Vegan prenatal vitamins are carefully formulated supplements that support pregnancy and breastfeeding without any animal-derived ingredients. Instead of fish-based DHA or gelatin capsules, they use plant-based, bioavailable nutrients that are easier on the body during this sensitive phase.

A high-quality vegan prenatal multivitamin provides essential vitamins and minerals for both mother and baby while aligning with ethical, dietary, and digestive needs. Many women choose the best vegan prenatal vitamins because they’re gentler on the stomach and designed for better absorption throughout pregnancy and lactation.

Key nutrients to look for in the best vegan prenatal vitamins

Not every prenatal label tells the full story. Over time, I’ve learned that ingredient quality matters just as much as the nutrient list itself. These are the key nutrients I always check before choosing or recommending the best vegan prenatal vitamins.

1. Folate (not folic acid)

Always choose folate vegan prenatal formulas that use methylfolate vegan prenatal instead of synthetic folic acid. This active form is easier for the body to absorb and plays a vital role in healthy neural tube development, especially in early pregnancy.

2. Iron

Iron requirements surge by approximately 50% during pregnancy to accommodate increased blood volume, oxygen transport to the fetus, and placental development, with ongoing demands during breastfeeding to aid maternal recovery and maintain nutrient levels in breast milk.

Vegan prenatal vitamins incorporating ferrous bisglycinate, a chelated, plant-compatible form of iron renowned for its high bioavailability and reduced gastrointestinal side effects, offer a gentle solution compared to traditional ferrous sulfate, which frequently induces constipation, nausea, and abdominal pain in up to 40% of users, according to clinical studies.

This gentle formulation enhances absorption efficiency, often 2 to 4 times greater than non-chelated forms, while minimising digestive discomfort, thereby supporting sustained maternal energy, preventing anaemia-related fatigue, and promoting overall well-being throughout pregnancy and lactation. For breastfeeding mothers, optimal iron status is crucial, as maternal iron deficiency has been linked to lower infant ferritin levels at birth and potential developmental impacts, such as diminished motor and behavioural outcomes; by ensuring adequate supplementation, mothers can help safeguard their baby’s growth and iron stores without compromising milk quality.

Regarding infant colic, emerging evidence suggests associations between maternal iron supplementation and colic incidence. Some studies indicate prophylactic iron during pregnancy may correlate with higher colic rates, possibly due to non-gentle forms exacerbating maternal stress or digestive issues that indirectly influence infant behaviour.

However, opting for a gentle variant like ferrous bisglycinate may mitigate such risks by reducing maternal discomfort, fostering better caregiving, and potentially contributing to lower colic symptoms through stabilised maternal health and improved nutrient transfer.

3. DHA (plant-based omega-3)

A high-quality vegan DHA prenatal vitamins formula uses algae oil rather than fish oil. This plant-based source supports a baby’s brain and eye development while remaining gentle and sustainable.

4. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and steady energy levels. It’s especially important in plant-based diets and should always be included in a reliable vegan prenatal.

5. Choline

Often overlooked, vegan choline prenatal support is crucial for fetal brain development and maternal liver health. Its inclusion reflects a more complete and thoughtfully designed prenatal formula.

6. Vitamin D3 (vegan source)

Vegan vitamin D3 supports bone strength, calcium absorption, and immune health for both mother and baby, making it an essential part of any comprehensive prenatal routine.

Vegan & natural prenatal vitamins vs regular prenatal supplements

Traditional prenatal supplements often rely on animal-based ingredients and synthetic nutrient forms that may be harder to digest. In contrast, the best vegan pregnancy vitamins focus on clean sourcing, transparency, and better absorption, something I’ve personally found makes a difference in daily comfort.

Feature Vegan & natural prenatal vitamins Regular prenatal supplements
Ingredient source Plant-based, animal-free Often animal-derived
Folate type Methylfolate vegan prenatal Folic acid
DHA source Algae-based Fish oil
Digestion Easier on the stomach Can cause discomfort
Additives Fewer artificial fillers More synthetic fillers
Long-term use Suitable for breastfeeding Less breastfeeding-focused

Many vegan options are also non-GMO vegan prenatal, which adds reassurance for mothers looking for clean, long-term nutritional support during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Benefits of vegan % natural prenatal vitamins for expecting and breastfeeding mothers

From what I’ve seen, many women switch to vegan prenatals simply because they feel easier on the body. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, even small digestive issues can feel magnified, and cleaner formulations often make a noticeable difference.

Some of the most common benefits include:

  • Less nausea and better digestion, especially for those sensitive to heavy iron or artificial additives
  • Improved gut comfort, with fewer bloating or constipation issues
  • More consistent energy throughout the day, without sudden dips
  • Cleaner, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, which bring peace of mind during pregnancy
  • Better absorption of key nutrients, helping the body actually use what it needs
  • Suitable for breastfeeding and postpartum recovery, making it easier to continue long-term

When well formulated, prenatal vitamins designed for plant-based diets can support both mother and baby without overwhelming the body. For many women, that balance of comfort, nourishment, and trust is what makes vegan prenatal options feel like the right fit.

You can also explore the impact of +Mum vegan prenatal vitamins on breastfeeding to understand how targeted nutrition supports milk quality and maternal recovery.

How to choose the best vegan prenatal vitamins

Choosing the right prenatal is one of the most important nutrition decisions you’ll make during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It’s not about trends or popularity; it’s about how well a supplement supports your body over many months of daily use.

From my experience, the best results come from focusing on ingredient quality, absorption, and long-term safety rather than just a long ingredient list.

Clean ingredients & certifications

Clean formulation is the foundation of any high-quality prenatal.
During pregnancy, the body becomes more sensitive, and unnecessary additives can contribute to nausea, bloating, or discomfort.

A reliable vegan prenatal should:

  • Be completely free from animal-derived ingredients
  • Avoid artificial colours, preservatives, and flavours
  • Clearly list ingredients with no hidden blends
  • Be manufactured under GMP-certified standards to ensure consistency and safety

These factors help ensure that what you’re taking daily is both safe and supportive.

Bioavailability & absorption

One of the most overlooked aspects of prenatal vitamins is absorption. Nutrients only help if your body can actually use them. The best vegan prenatal vitamins are designed with bioavailable forms of key nutrients, which reduces digestive strain and improves effectiveness.

This matters especially for folate, iron, DHA, and B vitamins, nutrients that play a direct role in fetal development, maternal energy, and postpartum recovery. Better absorption also means fewer stomach issues and more consistent benefits over time.

Dosage & safety

Prenatal supplements should be balanced, not excessive. A well-designed vegan prenatal multivitamin provides adequate daily support without pushing nutrient levels unnecessarily high.

Equally important is expert formulation. Products developed or reviewed by medical professionals tend to better reflect real prenatal needs, making them safer for long-term use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

For personalised guidance, it’s always helpful to consult one of the best gynaecologist doctors in Switzerland before choosing prenatal supplements.

Best vegan prenatal vitamins for pregnancy and breastfeeding

When choosing the best vegan prenatal vitamins, it helps to look at how thoughtfully a product is developed, not just what it claims. A strong prenatal formula should support you from early pregnancy through breastfeeding, without requiring frequent switching or additional supplements.

One product that aligns closely with these standards is +Mum Vegan Prenatal Vitamins by Plusbaby.

What sets +Mum by Plusbaby apart as a premier choice is its evidence-based formulation that balances scientific rigour with user-friendly simplicity. Grounded in nutritional research, it exceeds basic RDA guidelines by incorporating bioavailable forms of key nutrients, such as Quatrefolic methylfolate for enhanced folate metabolism and ferrous bisglycinate iron to minimise gastrointestinal side effects, thereby addressing practical prenatal challenges like fatigue, anaemia prevention, and digestive comfort while supporting optimal maternal and fetal health throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Key formulation highlights include:

  • GMP-certified manufacturing for quality and consistency
  • 100% vegan and suitable for plant-based lifestyles
  • Gluten-free, supporting easier digestion
  • Formulated by a doctor, with prenatal and breastfeeding needs in mind
  • Designed in Switzerland, reflecting high formulation standards
  • Developed by a Swiss company focused on maternal wellness
  • No artificial colours, preservatives, or flavours, making it suitable for long-term daily use

Because of this balanced approach, +Mum is suitable not only during pregnancy but also as prenatal vitamins, breastfeeding vegan, supporting milk quality and maternal recovery without overwhelming the body.

For many women, having a single, clean prenatal they can trust throughout all stages brings both physical comfort and peace of mind.

When to start and how long to take prenatal vitamins

Stage Recommended timing
Preconception Start 2–3 months before trying to conceive
Pregnancy Continue daily throughout all trimesters
Breastfeeding Continue while nursing to support milk quality
Postpartum (not breastfeeding) Continue for 2–3 months to support recovery

Starting early helps build nutrient reserves, while continuing through breastfeeding supports both maternal recovery and the baby’s ongoing development.

If you’re still comparing options, this guide on why prenatal vitamins are important and how to find the best one offers a helpful starting point.

Final thoughts: finding the right vegan prenatal vitamin for your journey

There’s no one-size-fits-all prenatal, but there is a right fit for your body and values. The best vegan prenatal vitamins are the ones you can take consistently, digest comfortably, and trust.

Whether you prefer organic prenatal vitamins, vegan, need nutrients like vegan choline prenatal, or explore options like ritual vegan prenatal, the goal is the same—supporting a healthy pregnancy and confident motherhood.

At Plusbaby, the focus is on clean, thoughtful formulations that support women from preconception through breastfeeding, including well-designed fertility supplements for women.

Choose quality, listen to your body, and give this journey the care it deserves.

Frequently asked questions

Question: Can I take prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding?

Answer: Yes. Yes, you can, and it is often recommended to continue taking prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding, particularly vegan formulations, as they help maintain optimal nutrient levels for both maternal health and breast milk quality. Healthcare providers, including organisations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the World Health Organisation, emphasise that breastfeeding mothers have elevated nutritional demands to support milk production and prevent deficiencies that could lead to fatigue, anaemia, weakened immunity, or reduced milk supply. Vegan prenatal vitamins, when well-formulated with bioavailable plant-based sources like methylfolate and ferrous bisglycinate iron, are suitable for long-term use during nursing, as they minimise side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort while ensuring efficient absorption to bridge dietary gaps in plant-based diets.

Furthermore, even after breastfeeding ceases, continuing prenatal vitamins is advisable to replenish the body’s depleted nutrient stores, with a general guideline being to maintain supplementation for the same number of months as the duration of breastfeeding.

Question: What prenatal vitamins does an OB-GYN recommend?

Answer: OB-GYNs typically recommend prenatal vitamins that include bioavailable folate (such as methylfolate vegan prenatal), iron, vitamin B12, iodine, vitamin D, and DHA. For plant-based diets, a high-quality vegan prenatal multivitamin is often advised.

Question: What vitamins should a vegan pregnant woman take?

Answer: A vegan pregnant woman should focus on folate (folate vegan prenatal), iron (vegan prenatal iron supplement), vitamin B12, vegan vitamin D3, iodine, DHA from algae (vegan DHA prenatal vitamins), and choline (vegan choline prenatal). These nutrients are typically included in the best vegan prenatal vitamins designed for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Question: Can vegan prenatal vitamins support fertility before pregnancy?

Answer: Absolutely. Many vegan prenatal vitamins also support preconception health by providing key nutrients such as folate, iron, and vitamin B12. When taken before conception, they can complement a broader fertility supplement for women by helping prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy. Understanding the role of dietary supplements in enhancing fertility can also help you make informed choices before and during pregnancy.

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Magali Russell

I am Magali Russell, the founder of Plusbaby. With over 15 years of experience in research and development, I created and led a preclinical research organisation that conducted rigorous scientific studies on numerous products.The moving stories of women and couples struggling with infertility left a lasting impression on me. This is how I found my calling in life: helping others become parents by offering them genuine support.
Convinced of the benefits of natural products, I created Plusbaby: vegan dietary supplements, developed in Switzerland, combining proven science and pure, premium, additive-free ingredients to boost fertility naturally.

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