Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA Reviews: Is It Worth It?

When I was pregnant with my first child, I spent countless hours researching supplements to support my baby’s development and my own health.

Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA stood out as a top choice, and after using it through two pregnancies, I can confidently say it’s a product worth investing in.

Its high-quality omega-3s, third-party testing, and focus on fetal brain development make it a standout for expecting moms.

If you’re looking for a reliable DHA supplement to nurture your baby’s growth, this is one you should seriously consider adding to your prenatal routine.

My Experience With Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA

When I found out I was pregnant, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of prenatal supplements out there. My midwife recommended Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA, emphasizing its role in supporting my baby’s brain and eye development.

I decided to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did. The soft gels were small—about the size of an Advil tablet—which was a relief because swallowing huge pills during morning sickness was not my idea of fun. I started with the unflavored version, taking two soft gels daily with dinner, as suggested, to avoid any stomach upset.

The first thing I noticed was the lack of fishy aftertaste. If you’ve ever taken a cheap fish oil supplement, you know the dreaded fishy burps that can haunt you for hours. With Nordic Naturals, I didn’t experience that at all, which was a game-changer,

especially during my first trimester when smells sent me running to the bathroom. The strawberry-flavored option was a nice surprise when I switched to it in my second pregnancy—it had a subtle, pleasant taste that made taking the supplement feel less like a chore.

What really impressed me was the peace of mind that came with knowing the product was third-party tested. Nordic Naturals provides Certificates of Analysis on their website, showing that their fish oil is free from heavy metals, toxins, and other contaminants. As a pregnant mom,

I was hyper-aware of everything I put into my body, and this transparency gave me confidence that I was making a safe choice for my baby. The supplement delivers 480 mg of DHA and 205 mg of EPA per serving, which aligns with expert recommendations for pregnancy, and it includes 400 IU of vitamin D3, a nice bonus for bone and immune health.

I took it consistently through both pregnancies and while breastfeeding, and I genuinely believe it made a difference. My kids hit their developmental milestones on time, and while I can’t attribute that entirely to DHA, I felt good knowing I was giving their brains and eyes a strong foundation. My energy levels were more stable, too, which I suspect was partly due to the omega-3s supporting my overall health.

The only hiccup? I had to refrigerate the bottle to keep it fresh, but that became second nature after a while. Overall, my experience was overwhelmingly positive, and it’s a product I’d recommend to any expecting mom.

Pros Of Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA

High DHA Content: The 480 mg of DHA per serving is spot-on for what experts recommend during pregnancy. DHA is critical for your baby’s brain and eye development, and this dose ensures you’re meeting those needs without overloading on unnecessary extras.
Third-Party Testing: Nordic Naturals goes above and beyond with transparency. Their Certificates of Analysis show the product is free from heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs, which gave me peace of mind as a cautious mom-to-be.

No Fishy Aftertaste: Whether I took the unflavored or strawberry-flavored version, I never dealt with fishy burps. This was a huge win, especially when pregnancy made me sensitive to smells and tastes.
Sustainable Sourcing: The fish oil comes from wild-caught anchovies and sardines, and the brand is Friend of the Sea certified. I felt good knowing I was supporting a company that prioritizes eco-friendly practices.
Easy-to-Swallow Soft Gels: The small size of the soft gels made them a breeze to take, even on days when nausea made swallowing pills a challenge. They never got stuck or felt heavy in my stomach.

Added Vitamin D3: The 400 IU of vitamin D3 is a nice touch, supporting bone health and immunity. While it’s not enough on its own, it complements your prenatal vitamin nicely.

These benefits made Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA a staple in my routine. The combination of high-quality ingredients, rigorous testing, and thoughtful design—like the small soft gels and flavor options—sets it apart. Knowing that the omega-3s were in the triglyceride form, which is more bioavailable, reassured me that my body was actually absorbing the nutrients. Plus, the brand’s commitment to sustainability aligned with my values, making it feel like a responsible choice for both my family and the planet.

Cons Of Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA

Not Vegan-Friendly: The fish oil and bovine gelatin in the soft gels mean this isn’t an option for vegans or those with fish allergies. If you’re plant-based, you’ll need to look at alternatives like algae-based DHA.

Pricey for Some Budgets: At around $29 for a 45-day supply, it’s not the cheapest option out there. Since it’s meant to be taken alongside a prenatal vitamin, the cost can add up if you’re already spending on other supplements.
Requires Refrigeration: To maintain freshness, you need to store the bottle in the fridge. It’s a minor inconvenience, but it can be annoying if you forget or don’t have easy fridge access.
No Money-Back Guarantee: Nordic Naturals only allows returns for unopened products within 30 days. If you try it and don’t like it, you’re out of luck, which feels like a risk for a premium-priced product.

Occasional Stickiness: In warmer climates, the soft gels can get sticky inside the bottle. Shaking the bottle before opening helped, but it was a small hassle I didn’t expect from a high-end brand.

While these drawbacks didn’t outweigh the benefits for me, they’re worth considering. The price tag and refrigeration requirement might be deal-breakers for some, and vegans will need to look elsewhere. Still, I found the product’s quality justified the cost, and the stickiness issue was manageable with a quick shake of the bottle.

Tips For Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA

Store in the Fridge: Keep the bottle refrigerated to preserve the freshness of the fish oil. I found that placing it on the fridge door made it easy to grab with my daily vitamins, and it prevented any oxidation that could affect quality.

Take With Food: Always take the soft gels with a meal, ideally one with some fat, to improve absorption and reduce the chance of stomach upset. I took mine with dinner, which worked well for my sensitive stomach.
Shake the Bottle: If you notice the soft gels sticking together, give the bottle a gentle shake before opening. This helps separate them and prevents any mess when you’re trying to grab a dose.
Check Expiration Dates: Fish oil can go rancid, so always check the expiration date before buying and using. I made a habit of ordering fresh bottles every couple of months to ensure potency.

Pair With a Prenatal Vitamin: This isn’t a full-spectrum prenatal, so combine it with a comprehensive prenatal vitamin to cover all your nutrient needs. I used it alongside a multivitamin to ensure I was getting enough folate, iron, and other essentials.
Monitor for Sensitivity: If you’re new to fish oil, start with one soft gel to see how your body reacts. I had no issues, but some moms might experience mild digestive discomfort if they’re not used to omega-3 supplements.

Following these tips made using Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA seamless. Refrigeration was key to keeping the oil fresh, and taking it with food became a no-brainer after a few days. Pairing it with a prenatal vitamin ensured I wasn’t missing any key nutrients, and checking expiration dates gave me confidence in the product’s efficacy. These small habits made a big difference in my experience.

Comparison With Other Brands

FullWell Fish Oil

FullWell Fish Oil caught my attention because it’s designed specifically for pregnancy, much like Nordic Naturals. It delivers 550 mg of DHA and 120 mg of EPA per soft gel, which is solid but slightly less DHA than Nordic Naturals. What I liked was its low oxidation score, meaning it’s super fresh, and it’s Friend of the Sea certified, just like Nordic Naturals. However, it’s pricier—around $35 for a 30-day supply—and the soft gels are larger, which was a struggle during my nauseous first trimester. FullWell’s transparency with batch testing is great, but I found Nordic Naturals’ smaller pills and flavor options more practical for daily use.

Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Prenatal DHA

Garden of Life’s Prenatal DHA is another strong contender, especially for moms looking for a high-potency option. It provides 550 mg of DHA and 120 mg of DPA, a lesser-known omega-3 that supports anti-inflammatory benefits. The soft gels are NSF Contents Certified, which is a big plus for purity. However, at $40 for a 30-day supply, it’s a bit steeper than Nordic Naturals, and the pills are noticeably larger. I also found the orange flavor a bit too strong compared to Nordic Naturals’ subtle strawberry option. If you’re okay with the price and pill size, it’s a solid choice, but I preferred Nordic Naturals for ease and taste.

Ritual Omega-3 DHA & EPA

For vegan moms, Ritual’s Omega-3 DHA & EPA is a game-changer. Sourced from microalgae, it delivers 308 mg of DHA and 154 mg of EPA per capsule, which is lower than Nordic Naturals but still effective. The citrus-infused capsules minimize fishy aftertaste, and the brand’s Clean Label Project certification adds credibility. At $30 for a 30-day supply, it’s comparable in price, but you get fewer servings. I appreciated Ritual’s vegan-friendly approach, but as a non-vegan, I stuck with Nordic Naturals for its higher DHA content and smaller soft gels. If you avoid fish, Ritual is worth considering.

Nature Made Prenatal Multivitamin with DHA

Nature Made’s Prenatal Multivitamin with DHA is a budget-friendly option, combining 200 mg of DHA with a full-spectrum prenatal vitamin for around $20 for a 60-day supply. It’s USP Verified, which is great for quality assurance, but the DHA dose is much lower than Nordic Naturals, and I noticed a slight fishy aftertaste despite their “burp-less” claim. For moms who want an all-in-one supplement, it’s convenient, but I preferred the higher DHA potency and standalone focus of Nordic Naturals. If cost is a major factor, Nature Made is a decent compromise, but you might miss out on optimal DHA levels.

Each brand has its strengths, but Nordic Naturals won me over with its balance of high DHA, small soft gels, and flavor options. FullWell and Garden of Life are great for specific needs, but their higher cost or larger pills were less appealing. Ritual is perfect for vegans, while Nature Made suits budget-conscious moms but falls short on DHA potency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Nordic Naturals DHA Safe for Pregnancy?

Yes, Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA is safe for pregnancy when used as directed. It’s third-party tested for purity, free from heavy metals and toxins, and crafted from wild-caught anchovies and sardines. The 480 mg DHA and 205 mg EPA per serving align with expert recommendations for fetal brain and eye development. I took it through two pregnancies without issues, but always check with your doctor to ensure it fits your specific needs, especially if you have fish allergies or other sensitivities.

Is Nordic Naturals a Good Prenatal?

Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA isn’t a full prenatal vitamin—it’s a targeted DHA supplement meant to complement one. It’s excellent for boosting omega-3 intake, with 480 mg DHA and 400 IU vitamin D3 per serving. The quality, third-party testing, and lack of fishy aftertaste make it a top choice. I found it easy to incorporate into my routine alongside a multivitamin, and it supported my baby’s development effectively. For a comprehensive prenatal, you’ll need a separate vitamin, but this is a fantastic DHA add-on.

What Is the Best Prenatal DHA?

The “best” prenatal DHA depends on your needs, but Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA is a strong contender due to its 480 mg DHA, third-party testing, and sustainable sourcing. Compared to brands like FullWell or Garden of Life, it offers a higher DHA dose and smaller, easier-to-swallow pills. For vegans, Ritual’s algae-based option is better. I chose Nordic Naturals for its balance of potency, quality, and taste, but consult your healthcare provider to find the best fit for you.

Do You Really Need DHA in Prenatal Vitamins?

DHA isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended during pregnancy. It supports your baby’s brain, eye, and nervous system development, especially in the third trimester. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests 200-300 mg of DHA daily, though many experts recommend up to 650 mg for optimal benefits. I noticed improved focus and energy when taking DHA, and it gave me peace of mind knowing I was supporting my baby’s growth. If your diet lacks fatty fish, a DHA supplement like Nordic Naturals is a smart choice.

Conclusion: For Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA

After two pregnancies, I can say Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA is a must-have for expecting moms. Its high DHA content, rigorous testing, and easy-to-swallow soft gels make it a reliable way to support your baby’s brain and eye development while keeping you healthy. Despite the cost and refrigeration needs, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. If you want a trusted, high-quality DHA supplement to give your baby the best start, grab a bottle and pair it with your prenatal vitamin—you won’t regret it.