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Video: Prenatals 101: What to Look For in a Prenatal Supplement and When to Start Taking Them
A naturopath's guide to prenatal vitamins: why they matter, what nutrients to look for, what to avoid and when to start for a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (Reg. #3726). Last reviewed July 2026.
Prenatal vitamins are so important to ensure a healthy pregnancy for mom and healthy development of baby.
However, choosing the right prenatal isn't always easy. Check out the video below to learn more about prenatals.
- Why you should start taking one
- What to look for (and avoid) in a prenatal supplement
- When to start taking one
- Plus some info on the benefits of prenatals for fertility
Disclaimer: always check in with your primary care practitioner before starting, stopping or making changes to your health routine.
Learn more about prenatal supplements here.
As an ND, I always take an individualized approach to your prenatal care. Each woman and her pregnancy is different. My goal is to find the optimal supplementation plan for YOU to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.
How I Can Help Throughout Your Pregnancy Journey
I provide fertility support to help patients through pre-conception care, pregnancy and beyond. By looking at fertility through a holistic lens, we work towards a comprehensive plan that takes into account all aspects of health and its effect on fertility.
- Preconception Visit. We talk about your goals, reproductive and health history, cycles, pre-conception blood tests, and conditions that may make it difficult to conceive.
- Pregnancy Check-Ins. Support throughout your pregnancy with an individualized nutrition, supplement and lifestyle plan.
- Comprehensive Lab Testing. Testing to guide treatment, including Estrogen, LH:FSH ratio, Progesterone, Insulin and/or HbA1C, TSH, and AMH.
- Individualized Treatment Plans. Plans focusing on fertility nutrition, evidence-based supplements and botanicals, and lifestyle changes.
- Pelvic Floor Therapy. Pre and post-natal support.
- Integrative Fertility Support. Support alongside IVF, IUI and cycle monitoring.
- Equal Access for All. LGBTQ2S friendly services and equal access for all.
Book your fertility discovery appointment here.
About the author
Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND is a board-licensed naturopathic doctor and the founder of Somewhere Health. She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario. Her clinical focus spans hormonal health, fertility, digestion, and women's health, with advanced training in pelvic floor therapy and integrative fertility care.
