“What vitamin supplements can I take during the third trimester?”
I am in my third trimester. What vitamin supplements can I take during the third trimester?
3 Answers
Dietitian-NutritionistOB-GYN
Great question and it’s wonderful that you’re being proactive about your health in the third trimester. At this stage, your baby is growing rapidly, and your body’s nutrient needs shift slightly to support brain development, bone growth, and energy demands.
Here’s a breakdown of what supplements are typically recommended in the third trimester, in addition to your daily prenatal vitamin:
Core Supplements (Usually Included in a Good Prenatal Vitamin):
Folic Acid (400–800 mcg/day)
Still important in the third trimester to support red blood cell production and reduce risk of anemia.
Iron (27–60 mg/day)
Often increased in the third trimester to prevent or treat anemia. Many women need additional iron at this stage, especially if they’re fatigued or have low hemoglobin.
Calcium (1000–1300 mg/day)
Helps with fetal bone development and prevents your body from pulling calcium from your bones.
Take calcium separately from iron, since they compete for absorption.
Vitamin D3 (600–2000 IU/day)
Supports calcium absorption and fetal bone and immune system development. Many women benefit from extra Vitamin D, especially if they have limited sun exposure.
DHA (Omega-3 fatty acids) – 200–300 mg/day
Important for baby’s brain and eye development. Not all prenatal vitamins include DHA, so check your label. If not included, a separate fish oil or algae-based supplement is often recommended.
Optional or Situational Supplements
Magnesium – for leg cramps or sleep support
Vitamin B6 – can help with nausea or fatigue
Probiotics – may support digestion and gut health, especially if you’re taking iron
Fiber supplements (like psyllium or Benefiber) – if you’re struggling with constipation
What to Avoid:
High-dose Vitamin A (especially retinol form)
Herbal supplements unless cleared by your OB (some are unsafe in pregnancy)
Always choose third-party tested supplements and run any new products by your OB-GYN or midwife to ensure they fit your specific needs.
I hope this information was helpful. I wish you the best. Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime!
Here’s a breakdown of what supplements are typically recommended in the third trimester, in addition to your daily prenatal vitamin:
Core Supplements (Usually Included in a Good Prenatal Vitamin):
Folic Acid (400–800 mcg/day)
Still important in the third trimester to support red blood cell production and reduce risk of anemia.
Iron (27–60 mg/day)
Often increased in the third trimester to prevent or treat anemia. Many women need additional iron at this stage, especially if they’re fatigued or have low hemoglobin.
Calcium (1000–1300 mg/day)
Helps with fetal bone development and prevents your body from pulling calcium from your bones.
Take calcium separately from iron, since they compete for absorption.
Vitamin D3 (600–2000 IU/day)
Supports calcium absorption and fetal bone and immune system development. Many women benefit from extra Vitamin D, especially if they have limited sun exposure.
DHA (Omega-3 fatty acids) – 200–300 mg/day
Important for baby’s brain and eye development. Not all prenatal vitamins include DHA, so check your label. If not included, a separate fish oil or algae-based supplement is often recommended.
Optional or Situational Supplements
Magnesium – for leg cramps or sleep support
Vitamin B6 – can help with nausea or fatigue
Probiotics – may support digestion and gut health, especially if you’re taking iron
Fiber supplements (like psyllium or Benefiber) – if you’re struggling with constipation
What to Avoid:
High-dose Vitamin A (especially retinol form)
Herbal supplements unless cleared by your OB (some are unsafe in pregnancy)
Always choose third-party tested supplements and run any new products by your OB-GYN or midwife to ensure they fit your specific needs.
I hope this information was helpful. I wish you the best. Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime!
Welcome to the home stretch Momma!
Continue taking your prenatal vitamins and any other medications/supplements prescribed by your OB/GYN.
Starting at 38 weeks, you can began doing perineal massages, which help the elasticity of the tissue down below and reduce the possibility of tearing while you give birth.
Also beginning at 38 weeks, you and your partner should have sex, as often and can be tolerated, as sperm contains an enzyme that natural ripens the cervix.
Continue taking your prenatal vitamins and any other medications/supplements prescribed by your OB/GYN.
Starting at 38 weeks, you can began doing perineal massages, which help the elasticity of the tissue down below and reduce the possibility of tearing while you give birth.
Also beginning at 38 weeks, you and your partner should have sex, as often and can be tolerated, as sperm contains an enzyme that natural ripens the cervix.
Your regular prenatal vitamin is enough unless you are deficient in elements..then your doctor would recommend supplements
