Are There Vitamins That Can Help You Get Pregnant? Experts Say To Try These

Moms are pros at knowing the best tricks for a whole slew of things. From frozen marshmallows for a bruised knee to using a shoe organizer for craft supplies, mom hacks are aplenty. So when it comes to getting pregnant, it’s no wonder that you start running through a list of things that might help increase your chances of conceiving — it’s in your soon-to-be mom blood. But while you already know about tracking ovulation and timing sex, what about popping special supplements? Are there vitamins that can help you get pregnant?

“Additional vitamin and mineral support, antioxidants in particular, are highly recommended during preconception and pregnancy,” Dr. Peter Rizk, fertility expert at Fairhaven Health, tells Romper in an email interview.

Rizk says there are a few vitamins that specifically support fertility, including vitamin A, which supports embryo development and cellular growth, as well as helps maintain a healthy reproductive cycle. “Ideally the format of vitamin A would be as beta-carotene, as some research has shown negative effects from retinol palmitate,” he says.

Vitamins C and E are also vital, Rizk says, because the antioxidants help prevent cellular damage due to oxidizing free radicals. “With respect to fertility, vitamin E has also been shown to promote egg quality and vitamin C has been demonstrated to have a positive impact on IVF outcomes,” he adds.

You’ve probably heard it before, but that’s because it’s worth stressing: folic acid or folate is crucial throughout the pregnancy process, including trying to conceive. Rizk says in addition to supporting fetal development, it is also important for “oocyte quality and implantation plus an important antioxidant to fight cell damage.”

Other vitamins to include when trying to get pregnant include iodine for maintaining healthy thyroid levels — Rizk says low counts can negatively impact fertility — and zinc, which has been shown to support healthy ovulation and menstrual cycle regularity.

There is, however, one thing women should keep in mind if they are taking fertility medications, sys Dr. Satin Patel, a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and reproductive endocrinologist with Fertility Specialists of Texas.

“Commonly used over-the-counter supplements can adversely react with prescribed fertility medications, which is why it’s critically important for patients to tell their physician about any natural, over-the-counter, or prescribed supplements or medication they’re taking prior to starting treatment,” Patel says in an email interview with Romper.

Patel points out that some studies have shown that Coenzyme Q10 and DHEA supplements may have potential benefits for infertility patients “with diminishing ovarian reserve and declining egg quality.”

“Additionally, recent research has correlated vitamin D deficiency with infertility and has revealed that appropriate supplementation may improve fertility treatment success rates for patients,” he says. “Regardless of potential benefit, it’s imperative that a patient check with her physician about what’s best for her specific condition and outlined treatment plan.”

Looks like you can now add "knows the best vitamins for TTC" to your mom street cred.