It is customary for pregnant women to take a prenatal vitamin each day.

In theory, it might be possible for a pregnant woman to obtain the right amount of essential vitamins and minerals through a careful and complete diet. In real life, it is difficult for most women to achieve such a diet, particularly the need for Folate. It is far simpler take a prenatal vitamin each day.

Those living in nutritionally-deprived areas will particularly benefit from the addition of prenatal vitamins to their diet.