Health
You Asked, We Answered: Multivitamins for Pre-Conception, Pregnancy and Beyond
5 Nov '25
4 min read
Pregnant or planning to be? Let’s talk about nutrients! From pre-conception to postpartum, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about multivitamins – and how they help keep you and your baby healthy every step of the way.
Pregnancy comes with a million questions – some whispered to Google at 2 am, others swapped in waiting rooms over decaf lattes with a friend who’s “been there”. Do you really need pregnancy multivitamins before you’re even pregnant? Does the need for pregnancy multivitamins magically end the moment your baby arrives?
We’ve pulled together the questions women actually ask (plus a few they secretly think about but don’t always say out loud). From pre-conception to postpartum, we’ll explore the changes your body goes through, the shifts in daily life, and the Elevit supplement that’s here to support you every step of the way.
First things first, what are prenatal multivitamins?
Think of them as multivitamins with a very specific purpose: supporting you through the unique demands of pregnancy (and even before conception). While a standard multivitamin covers everyday needs, prenatal and pregnancy multivitamins are carefully formulated with higher levels of nutrients like folic acid, iodine, and iron – all important for your baby’s development and your own wellbeing.
Do I really need to think about pregnancy multivitamins before I even see two pink lines?
Just as you preheat an oven before baking, your body needs time to build up key nutrients before pregnancy begins. Folate is a classic example: it plays an important role leading up to pregnancy (and for the first trimester of pregnancy), helping reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida1, 2.
Iodine is another essential, supporting the healthy development of the brain and nervous system not just before birth, but in babies and young children too. That’s why it’s important for women to get enough iodine before conception, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding3.
Is one pregnancy supplement enough, or do I need to mix and match?
It’s tempting to build your own mix of vitamins, but more isn’t always better. A comprehensive pregnancy supplement that's designed to cover the essentials like folic acid, iodine, iron, vitamin D, and more can be the right choice. Check with your medical practitioner on what’s right for you.
How do pregnancy cravings actually work?
Food cravings during pregnancy are one of those little mysteries that somehow feel both urgent and inexplicable. While science doesn’t have a single neat answer, there are a few tales and theories. Hormonal changes can heighten your senses of taste and smell, making certain foods suddenly irresistible. Your body is going through massive shifts, and cravings can be your brain’s way of seeking comfort or pleasure during all that change.
Does mindfulness really matter in pregnancy, or is it just another buzzword?
Pregnancy isn’t just physical – it’s mental, emotional, and at 3 am, sometimes downright existential. “How will my life change after the baby?”, “what kind of parent will I be?”, “will I know how to fit the car seat?”. Mindfulness helps you ride that rollercoaster. It steadies you through the appointments, the decisions, the late-night Marketplace spirals about baby sleepsuits. With regular practice it can ease stress, and make it easier to tune in to your body and your baby.
Baby’s here – should I really keep taking my supplements or can I retire the pill box?
Postpartum isn’t the end of the show, it’s the sequel. Your body’s doing the incredible work of healing, adjusting, and in many cases, nourishing a whole other human. It’s also a time when fatigue can show up at a time your nutrient needs still remain high. Keeping up with your supplements is about giving yourself the fuel to recover well, and show up strong for both you and your baby.
Why is vitamin D so important for pregnancy?
Vitamin D is the quiet VIP of pregnancy – working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. It helps your body absorb calcium and maintain strong bones and muscles, while playing an important role in your baby’s bone development. If your vitamin D levels are low, it can even affect how much calcium your little one gets in their bones4.
That’s why a supplement with 1000 IU of vitamin D can make such a difference – supporting your baby’s healthy growth, brain and bone development, while helping to bridge nutritional gaps and promote better outcomes for both mum and baby.
Elevit Pre-Conception & Pregnancy tablets provides this level of support, delivering 1000 IU of vitamin D along with the highest combined levels of folic acid and iron, plus 16 other essential micronutrients.
Now that we’ve answered some of the big and small questions around pre-conception and pregnancy, let’s talk about the supplement designed to support you and your baby.
Introducing the new and improved Elevit Pre-Conception & Pregnancy
Elevit Pre-Conception & Pregnancy has long been a go-to for women planning a pregnancy or already on the journey, and now it’s back with an even smarter formula. The upgrade? Five times more vitamin D – an essential nutrient for you and your baby. Thoughtfully reformulated, Elevit Pre-Conception & Pregnancy now delivers 1000 IU of vitamin D, alongside folic acid, iron, and 16 other key micronutrients, making it a truly comprehensive daily support. The only supplement to offer the highest combined levels of vitamin D, folic acid and iron.
Together, these nutrients help support your baby’s growth, brain development, and bone formation – while helping fill the gaps that can be tricky to cover through diet alone. With an estimated two million babies supported over the last 20 years5, you can care for both you and your baby with just one tablet a day. Available in 30, 100, and 150-tablet packs (exclusively at Chemist Warehouse), its pre-conception and pregnancy support made simple.
And for the final question – can I have a handbook for this new chapter?
If only pregnancy came with a handbook! What it does come with is a bigger story – one with shifting needs, unexpected lessons, and the occasional deep dive into prams with cupholders.
There’s no single “perfect” way to navigate it all. But understanding the why behind what you put in your body (and how you care for your mind) can help you feel steadier amid the changes. Think of supplements as your backstage crew – quietly making sure everything runs smoothly while this new chapter takes the spotlight.
References
1. The Royal Women’s Hospital. Preparing for a healthy pregnancy.
2. May help to prevent neural tube defects when trying to conceive and during the first trimester of pregnancy. Do not exceed the stated dose except on medical advice. If you have had a baby with a neural tube defect/spina bifida, seek specific medical advice.
3. NSW Health. Iodine supplements factsheet for consumers and health professionals.
4. The Royal Women’s Hospital. Vitamin D and Pregnancy.
5. Elevit 20th Anniversary Source Data. Based on ABS Births 2001-2019, FiftyFive5 Brand Penetration research 2018 and Fiftyfive5 Green Cross 2 Research 2021.
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Sponsored content in partnership with Elevit.
