Prenatal vitamins? Here’s My Honest Routine at 20 Weeks🤰
I’m currently 20 weeks pregnant and like many mums-to-be, I’ve been figuring out which supplements actually matter—and when to take them. There’s so much information (and marketing!) out there when it comes to prenatal vitamins. But rather than blindly following trends, I’ve built a routine based on my needs, blood test results, and advice from my OB.
In this post, I’m sharing my current supplement routine as a pescatarian who’s trying to stay on top of her health without overcomplicating things.
If you’re navigating your own prenatal routine or just curious how other women approach it, I hope this helps as a friendly reference.
🌞 Prenatal Vitamins Summary – Morning (empty stomach)
✔️ Iron – 25mg
I take iron on an empty stomach to help with absorption as soon as I wake up, before anything else.
I avoid taking it with calcium, dairy, or caffeine (learned that the hard way 😅).
Later in the morning, I usually eat something with vitamin C to help boost absorption.
✔️ Inositol – 4000mg
I’ve been taking inositol regularly since before pregnancy.
It’s known to help with insulin regulation, which was something I wanted to support early on.
Right after iron, I take one sachet as soon as I wake up, before anything else.
🍽️ After Breakfast
✔️ Multivitamin
This covers most of the basics like folic acid, B12, iodine, and other key nutrients for pregnancy.
It’s the foundation of my routine.
✔️ Omega-3 – 1 capsule (DHA focused)
I make sure to take a daily omega-3 supplement with a good amount of DHA for brain and eye development.
I take one capsule now, and another in the evening.
🕛 After Lunch
✔️ Vitamin C – 1000mg
Not a must-have for everyone, but I take this for antioxidant support and to help with pigmentation during pregnancy.
✔️ Calcium + Magnesium + Vitamin D
I take one tablet here and another in the evening.
Each tablet includes:
- Calcium 600mg
- Magnesium 100mg
- Vitamin D 25µg (1000IU)
I avoid taking it near my iron supplement to prevent interference.
🌙 After Dinner
✔️ Omega-3 – second capsule
Just to spread things out over the day for better absorption. 😅
✔️ Calcium + Magnesium + Vitamin D – second tablet
Same as the one after lunch.
This one helps with those annoying nighttime leg cramps.
☀️ Occasionally
✔️ Vitamin D Gummy – 1000IU
Every now and then, I take an extra dose in gummy form—especially on days I’m indoors most of the time.
📋 Prenatal Vitamins- Summary Table
| Time | Supplement | Dosage & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning (empty) | Inositol | 4000mg – for insulin support |
| Morning (empty) | Iron | 25mg – take on empty stomach, avoid calcium & caffeine |
| After Breakfast | Multivitamin | Includes folic acid, iodine, B12, and other essentials |
| After Breakfast | Omega-3 (1st capsule) | Focus on DHA for baby’s brain and eye development |
| After Lunch | Vitamin C | 1000mg – antioxidant support & helps iron absorption |
| After Lunch | Calcium + Magnesium + Vitamin D | 600mg / 100mg / 25µg (1000IU) – avoid near iron |
| After Dinner | Omega-3 (2nd capsule) | Second daily dose |
| After Dinner | Calcium + Magnesium + Vitamin D | Same as lunch – helps with leg cramps |
| Occasionally | Vitamin D Gummy | 1000IU – extra boost when lacking sun exposure |
🌿 What’s Generally Recommended for the Second Trimester?
Here’s a quick reference guide to the key nutrients most commonly recommended during the second trimester of pregnancy:
| Nutrient | Recommended Daily Intake | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| Folic Acid | 400–600 µg | Supports neural tube development and cell growth |
| Iron | 27 mg | Prevents anaemia and supports baby’s growth |
| Calcium | 1000–1300 mg | Builds baby’s bones and teeth |
| Magnesium | 300–400 mg | Helps with muscle relaxation, reduces cramps |
| Vitamin D | 10–25 µg (400–1000 IU) | Supports calcium absorption and immunity |
| Omega-3 (DHA) | At least 200–300 mg DHA | Supports baby’s brain and eye development |
📝 These recommendations can vary slightly depending on your country’s guidelines and your own health conditions—so always check in with your doctor or midwife!
💬 Prenatal vitamins – Final Thoughts
I know every pregnancy is different, and what works for one person may not be ideal for another.
This is simply what’s worked for me after lots of trial, error, and research—and checking in with my OB.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by all the supplement options available, I hope this breakdown makes it a bit easier.
And if you’re also 20 weeks along, congrats—halfway there! 💛
🔄 Language Switch
🇰🇷 Want to read this in Korean?
👉 View the Korean version here
Want to see what else I’ve been learning (or struggling with) during pregnancy?
👉 You’ll find more in Mom Mode.