Supporting you before, during and after pregnancy: The role of prenatal vitamins

Posted by Blooms The Chemist on 10 Sep 2025

Supporting you before, during and after pregnancy: The role of prenatal vitamins


The content of this article Sponsored by Natalis, supporting mums through every stage of pregnancy – from planning to breastfeeding.

Every mother wants the best for their baby’s development. That’s why it’s important to get the right nutrition for both you and your baby at every stage of motherhood; from before conception, through pregnancy, and while breastfeeding.

Experts like the Mayo Clinic highlight that women who are pregnant, or planning to be, often need higher levels of certain nutrients, particularly folic acid and iron.

Folic acid is crucial in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, which is why it’s recommended to start supplementation at least one month before trying to conceive1^. Iron, on the other hand, helps to prevent iron deficiency.

Other essential nutrients also play a vital role. Calcium and vitamin D support bone health, vitamin C and B vitamins help with immunity and energy, and iodine assists the baby’s brain and neurological development1.

With requirements for some essential nutrients rising by more than 50 percent2,3,4 when women are trying to conceive or are pregnant, it can be hard to achieve the recommended daily intake through diet alone.

That’s why prenatal vitamins are such an important part of the journey into motherhood. They don’t just fill in nutritional gaps – they give you peace of mind that you’re proactively supporting both yours and your baby’s health right from when you start planning to have a baby.

 

Why choose Natalis?

No other Australian Pregnancy multivitamin contains more folic acid or iron than Natalis.

Natalis is endorsed by the Australian College of Midwives*, proudly Australian-made and only available in pharmacies, giving mums peace of mind that they’re choosing a trusted prenatal vitamin. It’s designed to support you and your baby’s needs right from the beginning; from pre-conception, through pregnancy, and into breastfeeding.

Natalis contains

  • Folic acid (800 µg) [5] – taken at least one month prior to and during pregnancy, folic acid may help protect your baby from serious birth defects in the brain and spine.^
  • Iron (60 mg) – Iron helps your body to supply oxygen to your baby and helps prevent tiredness and iron deficiency.
  • Iodine (220 µg) – to assist your baby’s brain development and nervous system growth.
  • 19 essential nutrients6 – Including B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, and minerals like zinc and magnesium to support the healthy growth of your baby and improve your overall wellbeing.

With its Australian formulation and evidence-based nutrient levels, Natalis offers peace of mind and health support for you and your baby across every stage of motherhood.

Stage by stage nutritional breakdown

Pre-conception

Elevated folic acid (≥400 µg) may help to reduce neural tube defects;^ iron and iodine begin supporting reproductive health and early neurological development.

During pregnancy

Sustained folic acid, increased iron, recommended iodine, plus calcium, vitamin D, B-vitamins, and vitamin C for fetal growth, placental health, immune function, and red blood cell formation.

Breastfeeding

Continued elevated requirements for folate, iron, iodine, and vitamin D to support milk quality and maternal recovery.


References:

^800ug of folic acid taken at least one month prior to and during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. If you have a baby with a neural tube defect/spina bifida, seek specific medical advice.” 

*Natalis is a proud supporter of, and in a paid partnership with Australian College of Midwives 

[2] National Health and Medical Research Council Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Iron page, Estimated Average Requirement recommendations by life stage and gender. Available at: https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/iron Accessed April 2020. 

[3]  National Health and Medical Research Council Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Folate page, Estimated Average Requirement recommendations by life stage and gender. Available at: https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/folate Accessed April 2020. 

[4] National Health and Medical Research Council Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Iodine page, Estimated Average Requirement recommendations by life stage and gender. Available at https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/iodine Accessed April 2020. 

[6] Natalis Product Page: https://natalispregnancy.com.au/product/Accessed August 2025