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I’m in the third trimester of my first pregnancy, and every symptom, scan, and emotion over the past 31 weeks has taught me more than I ever imagined – especially about my body and the extra nutrients it needs right now to grow a baby. Pregnant people are constantly targeted with advice – from friends, online communities, and even doctors – but it can be difficult to separate anecdotal tips from science-backed guidance. Still, one piece of advice nearly everyone agrees on is taking a comprehensive prenatal vitamin before, during, and after pregnancy.
I’ve tested several prenatals during my pregnancy, including two of the most popular options: Needed and Perelel. If you’re considering either and want to optimize nutrition for yourself and your baby, I put them to the test and dug into the science behind each. Here’s what you need to know – and my winner.
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The Players & Their Formats
Needed’s Prenatal Multi is designed to support you throughout fertility,pregnancy, and postpartum. It’s available in both capsule and powder form, with nutrients like Omega-3 and Iron sold separately for better absorption and customization.
Perelel offers trimester-specific prenatal vitamin packs that change as your pregnancy progresses. Each pouch includes a prenatal, DHA + EPA softgel, and depending on the trimester, additional capsules like calcium/magnesium, probiotics, or an anti-nausea supplement.
Nutrient Density & Dosage
This is where the differences between the two brands really stand out. Needed’s Prenatal Multi contains 26 nutrients, compared to 21 in Perelel’s. It also delivers more optimal doses of key nutrients such as vitamin D, choline, iodine, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.
Notably, Needed leaves out certain nutrients – like Omega-3 and Iron – that are better taken separately. Perelel, on the other hand, includes Iron in its formula. While some pregnant women may need Iron, not all do – and the amount needed can vary widely. Excessive Iron intake over a prolonged period (especially across all three trimesters) can lead to elevated blood levels, which may be harmful. Iron is best supplemented if your healthcare provider recommends it based on lab work. It's also worth noting that Iron can interfere with the absorption of other essential minerals like Calcium and Magnesium – which means taking them together may actually reduce their effectiveness.
Nutrient density is especially important because analyses of NHANES data suggest that a substantial amount of pregnant women are not meeting the recommended intakes of vitamins D, C, A, B6, K, and E, as well as folate, choline, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc--despite supplementation.*
Here’s a closer look at how the two brands compare on key nutrients for mom and baby – and why those differences matter:
With any supplement, it’s ideal to optimize for nutrients in their most bioavailable state. That means they’re most easily and quickly absorbed and put to work by your body. Both brands include highly bioavailable nutrients.
Winner: Needed
Quality & Credentials
Both Needed and Perelel prenatals are third-party tested.
Needed has conducted an IRB-approved clinical study involving 235 pregnant women in the US. The study compared blood nutrient levels based on the type of prenatal vitamin participants were taking. Women taking the Needed Multi Prenatal Capsules had significantly higher blood levels of key nutrients for pregnancy including Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin K2, and Selenium, compared to women taking a standard prenatal.
In addition, Needed’s prenatal took over three years to develop, with input from OB/GYNs, registered dietitians, naturopathic doctors, and MDs. It continues to evolve based on clinical insights and emerging research. The brand is also a Certified B Corp, Certified Climate Neutral, 1% for the Planet member, and Clean Label Project Certified. Today, it’s recommended by over 10,000 women’s health practitioners.
Perelel has conducted a smaller study on 30 women taking its Mom Multi Support Pack but has not yet published clinical research specific to its trimester-based prenatal packs.That said, the brand does have testing standards in place to ensure top-quality ingredients in their products.
Winner: Needed
Taste
At first I thought 8 capsules was a lot, but realized I could divide the dosage throughout the day. Or if you really struggle with pills, Needed also makes a vanilla-flavored prenatal powder that easily mixes into smoothies or foods like yogurt and oatmeal as well as a pared-down version of their Prenatal Multi Capsules, called the Prenatal Multi Essentials, which is only 3 capsules.
Perelel, on the other hand, had less detectable flavor and fewer pills per pack to take.
Winner: Needed, because of the variety of options
Cost
Both brands offer the option to purchase as a one-time order or subscription.
A one-time purchase of Needed’s Prenatal Multi Capsules costs $62.99, with discounted pricing available through monthly, 3-month, or 6-month subscriptions.For example, a 6-month subscription brings the price down to $50.40 per month. The brand also offers a pared-down version of its Prenatal Multi Capsules, called the Prenatal Multi Essentials, which contains just three pills per serving and costs $42.99 for a one-time purchase, or you can get it for as low as $34.39/month.
A one-time purchase from Perelel costs slightly less, at $58.24. When you subscribe for any amount of time (with no commitment), that price decreases to $49.50 a month.
Winner: Perelel, with a marginal lead
*Although Needed’s cost to nutrient value offers a better value
Packaging
I prefer the straightforward, single-container packaging from Needed. When I do travel, I simply dump out a handful of capsules into a pill container and call it a day. Since they’re all the same, I don’t need to pay special attention to which pills I’m bringing along.
While Perelel’s individually-wrapped packets of daily pills might seem like a convenience, they actually produce more waste than necessary. Most of us spend plenty of time at home during pregnancy, and taking your pills on the go isn’t as common as it might be during other phases of life.
Winner: Needed
Final Verdict: Which Prenatal Should You Take?
In a world where 95% of pregnant women are nutritionally depleted, there's a clear choice between these two. For the most nutrient-dense, research-backed prenatal that you can rely on throughout your entire pregnancy journey (and beyond), Needed is the clear winner.
Yes, it’s a few extra capsules. Yes, it costs a bit more upfront. But you get what you pay for. With Needed, you have the ability to choose which prenatal multi form works best for you (capsules or powder), and have the assurance that you’re getting optimal amounts of key nutrients that benefit both you and your baby.
For me, the peace of mind in knowing I’m supporting my baby (and myself) with well-researched, practitioner-formulated nutrition is more than worth it.
Needed is the one I’m sticking with. Upgrade to Needed and get an extra 20% off your first purchase of a subscription with code THEQUALITYEDIT.
FAQs
What is the difference between Needed and Perelel prenatal vitamins?
Needed offers more supportive doses of several key nutrients like choline, vitamin D, and selenium, and is designed for all stages of pregnancy. Perelel offers trimester-specific packs with fewer nutrients overall but combines supplements like DHA, probiotics, and anti-nausea support.
Is Needed prenatal better than Perelel?
Needed may be the better choice if you're looking for practitioner-recommended nutrient dosing and forms. It also includes more comprehensive coverage of essential nutrients and offers options for both capsules and powder.
Does Perelel include DHA?
Yes, Perelel includes DHA + EPA omega-3s in its daily packets. However, the dosage may be lower than what experts recommend during pregnancy and omega-3 is more prone to oxidation in this format.
Does Needed prenatal include iron?
Iron is sold separately by Needed to allow for individualized dosing based on lab results. This avoids the risk of iron overload and interactions with other nutrients.
Are trimester-specific prenatals better?
Trimester-specific prenatals like Perelel offer convenient support, but they may lack flexibility or lead to waste if your needs or routine change. A comprehensive prenatal like Needed can simplify supplementation throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
*https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2824678
