‘I’m an OB/GYN. Here’s My Honest Opinion on Perelel Prenatal Vitamins’
Growing a baby is like running a marathon—your body is working extra hard for a long period of time, so it needs additional nutrition to make it through. That’s where prenatal vitamins come into play. They provide nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, and other vitamins to help support a healthy pregnancy, which is why both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend taking them.
Here, we'll review Perelel's prenatal vitamins, including its first-, second-, and third-trimester supplements, which aim to offer targeted nutrients to support each stage of a person’s pregnancy. We tapped Karen Toubi, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN unaffiliated with Perelel, to take a look at the ingredients and help us determine whether the brand is a good choice.
Always talk to your OB/GYN first before starting a new supplement to determine if it's right for you based on your individual health needs and any preexisting conditions.
The Perelel prenatal line
Perelel was co-founded by two moms who were frustrated by their experience with prenatal vitamins during pregnancy. Together, they partnered with a board-certified OB/GYN to create trimester-specific vitamin packs meant to disrupt the "one-size-fits-all" thinking around pregnancy supplements.
Quality-wise, Perelel checks all the boxes when it comes to a prenatal supplement: Its products are backed by clinical research, its facilities follow current Good Manufacturing Practices set by the FDA, and the products undergo third-party testing for purity and potency—in other words, they're tested to confirm the vitamins actually have the ingredients on the label, in the amounts claimed, and that there are no additional, potentially harmful ingredients present, like heavy metals. This kind of testing is ideal in a prenatal supplement (or any supplement, for that matter) because, unlike medications, the FDA does not review or approve these products before they're sold.
A monthly supply of Perelel prenatals costs around $60, but signing up for a monthly subscription knocks down the price to about $50 per month. Even with this discount, they're on the pricier side compared to many other prenatals.
1st trimester pack
Perelel's first trimester pack is formulated to support the early stages of a baby’s development and help reduce the nausea that can come with morning sickness. Dr. Toubi says the key ingredients include the following:
- Methylfolate: An active form of folate, important for the baby's DNA synthesis and cell growth
- Iron: Supports increased blood volume and oxygen transport in the pregnant person's body
- Vitamin B6: May help reduce nausea
- Ginger extract: Known for its anti-nausea properties
- DHA: Supports fetal brain development
The supplement's anti-nausea component sets it apart from many other prenatals. “Vitamin B6 may help with nausea, while ginger has been traditionally used to alleviate digestive discomfort. This blend could be helpful for those dealing with mild to moderate morning sickness,” Dr. Toubi says.
Most notably, the supplement has methylfolate instead of folic acid. Both methylfolate and folic acid are supplemental forms of folate, which is crucial for healthy fetus development. Getting enough of this nutrient during pregnancy (especially early in pregnancy) helps prevent neural tube defects, or severe birth defects of the brain and spine.
But there's some disagreement about whether methylfolate is as effective as folic acid at preventing these birth defects. In fact, the CDC says folic acid is the only form of folate proven to help prevent these defects, and ACOG recommends folic acid for this reason as well (at least 400 micrograms daily). At this time, although the studies on methylfolate are promising, there's not enough research to say for certain that it's as good of a choice as folic acid for preventing neural tube defects.
“If someone is taking methylfolate, they should ensure they are consuming adequate dietary folate and may consider a separate folic acid supplement if recommended by their healthcare provider, especially if they have a history of neural tube defects,” Dr. Toubi says.
1st Trimester Prenatal Pack
Pros
- Contains active forms of nutrients like methylfolate, which some folks may absorb better than synthetic forms
- The inclusion of ginger and B6 can be beneficial for managing morning sickness
- Iron supports increased maternal blood volume
Cons
- Some people may need to supplement with folic acid
- Iron may cause constipation for some
2nd trimester pack
After 12 weeks, the second trimester of pregnancy is a turning point for expecting parents and fetuses. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, by this point the fetus has developed all of its organs, and now will continue to grow.
Perelel’s second trimester prenatal pack is formulated to support fetal skeletal growth as well as reduce muscle cramps for the pregnant person and ease any lasting nausea. Dr. Toubi breaks down the key nutrients, which include the following:
- Calcium: Important for fetal bone development
- Vitamin D: Supports calcium absorption and immune function
- Iron: Continues to support birthing parent's blood volume increase
- Methylfolate: For ongoing neural tube development
While getting enough iron is crucial during pregnancy, it can contribute to GI issues for some people, mainly constipation, Dr. Toubi says. If the iron in this supplement causes constipation, you may need to talk to your OB/GYN about ways to manage this side effect, such as lifestyle changes, medications like stool softeners, or switching to a different prenatal.
2nd Trimester Prenatal Pack
Pros
- Calcium and vitamin D support bone health for both the mother and baby
- Continued iron intake is crucial as blood volume increases further
Cons
- Iron might still cause gastrointestinal issues like constipation
- Some people may need to supplement with folic acid
3rd trimester pack
In the third and final trimester of pregnancy, it’s all about growth and preparation for the last stretch. Perelel’s third trimester pack is formulated to support the fetus's rapid growth and help prep the pregnant person's body to give birth. Dr. Toubi says the key ingredients include the following:
- DHA: Continues to support brain development
- Calcium: For fetal bone and teeth development
- Magnesium: May help with birthing parent's leg cramps and support overall muscle function
- Methylfolate: Ongoing support for neural health
Pros
- Magnesium can help alleviate cramps and support sleep in the third trimester
- Continued support for fetal brain and bone development with DHA and calcium
Cons
- Similar to previous trimesters, gastrointestinal issues from iron may persist
- Some people may need to supplement with folic acid
The bottom line
The general consensus from Dr. Toubi is that each person should talk to their doctor about their individual nutrient needs to make sure they're getting what they and their baby need during pregnancy.
“Perelel vitamins can be a good choice, especially for those who prefer active forms of nutrients. However, it’s essential for pregnant individuals to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they meet their specific nutritional needs, particularly regarding folate levels,” she says.
She adds: “For those with particular sensitivity with constipation, it may be helpful to have a prenatal without iron that they can take when needed.”
In the end, she says Perelel's prenatals are thoughtfully designed and may support a healthy pregnancy, but pregnant folks should also pay attention to the nutrients they're getting through food and always discuss any and all supplements with their healthcare professional.
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