I'm just about out of my multi-vitamin and about 4 months away from TTC so I figured I better just start with my prentals. Are there some prenatals that are better than others? What are you all taking? Any tips on finding good deals?

I'm sorry, I'm a real snob when it comes to this one.  Please don't take "fake" vitamins :-) Most vitamins you find at grocery stores/pharmacies are synthetic vitamins & minerals.  Scary!  Why would you want an innocent baby to start it's life with "fake" nutrition?  Especially if you're trying to eat healthy, whole foods?

Also, these grocery store/pharmacy prenatals usually only call for 1 a day.  A good multivitamin will need to be taken 2-3 times a day.

I splurge on New Chapters Pre-Natals.  http://www.newchapter.com/prenatal

I really recommend considering adding a probiotic.  I eat Greek yogurt everyday, but a good probiotic will require refrigeration (you can find shelf stable ones, though).  This is really important, as it helps pass along good gut/stomach development to baby and is linked to other benefits for baby.  My probiotic is taken twice a day.

Also, an omega is useful, as is finding ways to add things like flax oil.

Great info Athena, this is what I was hoping for! Since I'm still a few months away from actually TTC I figured I would finish my pack of multi-vitamins but knew that I would switch to Prenatals as soon as these were done (few more days thankfully). 

You're right, I've made a major switch to eliminate processed food in my life over the past two months and vitamins are no exception. Thanks for the link, checking that out asap!

A seperate question: I've also recently cut out dairy because DH and I have read up on the negetive effects of casein. We subsitute with lots of soy. Do you think there are any negetive effects I should consider with this switch?

Also thanks for the probiotic/omega/flax info. I feel like there are so many things I don't know about, I didn't even think about those. I guess it's good that I'm thinking about all this stuff ahead of time.

One thing to look for in a prenatal is make sure it has DHA. I was taking a Target prenatal pre TTC and it doesn't have DHA, so I had to buy something else once we got our BFP to make sure I was getting DHA. Or you could take a DHA supplement but I just wanted an all in one since I have a hard time swallowing pills and wanted to only take 1 not a handful! LOL

I've been taking the Nature Made Prenatal. I got mine at Costco = better price! :)

This is exactly why I think they need to stop telling women to only make changes 3 months pre-TTC.  There is so much information, and frankly a lot of lifestyle changes (even for the healthy people).  Since the summer I've been on pre-natals, eliminating the small amount of processed foods we had, including more spinach/yams/berries/broccoli/etc in our diet.  I'm finding more creative ways to add flax seeds, chia seeds, etc into our diet on a more regular basis.  Just so much!  But I'm really hoping these lifestyle changes stay on as a habit post-baby.

With the casein I'm not going to be opinionated, and say it's really up to you two.  DH and I know dairy isn't perfect, but we're still big believers in it.  And while we consume dairy every day it isn't like we consume huge volumes of it.  Do whatever helps you sleep better at night!

Oh, about the casein thing I've read more than one source that says while TTC men should have a yogurt a day.  Apparently it's really good for their "dudes".  So much contradictory information. 

I will say that although we love our dairy, I have started to dabble in recipes that call for alternatives to dairy, just to "flirt" with the idea.  Rice pudding made with rice milk, vegan chocolate peanut butter cups (to die for!!).  Etc.  I learned I can't do fake cheese though; grossed us out. :-\

I had a long chat with my doctor about vitamins etc before and during pregnancy.  He recommened folic acid but I also asked him about Pregnacare and Vitamin B12 - it was weird, I thought he would be the first person to say jump on the other pills but he didn't!  He basically said that folic acid has proven to have good results whilst other vitamins and pre-natals haven't been researched enough.

My RE and OB were neither here nor there on whether I needed a DHA supplement and didn't care what brand I used.  I bought Rite Aid brand as it had 800 mcg of folic acid, also had iron (which I tend to be deficient in and not all prenatals have iron - esp gummies), and had enough calcium to make me feel comfortable.  Similac for some reason has sent me two $10 checks for their brand w/ the DHA supplement (making it $3 for a 30 day supply) so I did switch to that for the first 10 weeks but will not spend $13 on a pack of prenatals when the Rite Aid ones have everything I need.

On a side note, even though natural is generally better, there have been studies that show that the body absorbs folic acid, which is the synthetic form of folate, better than it absorbs folate itself.  Since it is SO important to combat neural tube defects, I would suggest that you get a prenatal that has folic acid as opposed to folate or has a higher level of folate than the generally recommended level.

@Athena - I really like that kind you posted!! Does that have DHA added?

I don't believe there is DHA, but I'm looking into a flax oil with DHA ~ that way I can add it to smoothies (we have a Vitamix so I'm enjoying drinking fruits & veggies).

Folate vs. Folic Acid is just one more thing that has to do with your comfort level and personal choice :-)