Choosing Prenatal Vitamins: Why We Started with Tresos Pro Natal+ and Later Switched to Pregnacare

One of the first things both Alex and I decided to focus on before trying to conceive was nutrition.

A few months before pregnancy, we both started taking Tresos Pro Natal+, and I continued taking it throughout the first part of my pregnancy. Looking back, I’m very happy with that decision.

Throughout pregnancy, my bloodwork and nutritional values have consistently looked good, and apart from nausea during the first trimester, I’ve honestly experienced very few issues physically.

Of course, no one can say exactly how much a prenatal supplement contributes to a healthy pregnancy outcome — many factors matter — but I do believe that building nutritional reserves before conception and during early pregnancy is incredibly important.

Why We Chose Tresos Pro Natal+

When I first started researching prenatals, I quickly realized that there is a huge difference between products.

Some are very basic and mainly designed to cover minimum recommendations, while others are much more comprehensive and focus on nutrient quality, absorption, and forms that are easier for the body to use.

Tresos Pro Natal+ falls into the second category.

What stood out to me immediately was that it contains many nutrients in their activated or bioavailable forms. For example, instead of regular folic acid, it uses methylfolate (levomefolate), which is already in the active form the body can use. This can be especially relevant because some people have genetic variations (such as MTHFR polymorphisms) that may reduce how efficiently they convert folic acid into active folate. (balancehealthcare.com)

It also contains:

• methylated vitamin B12
• choline
• inositol
• vitamin K2
• lutein and zeaxanthin
• amino-acid chelated minerals for improved absorption

Compared to many standard prenatals, the formulation feels much more “functional medicine” oriented and designed around optimal absorption rather than just minimum requirements.

Another thing I appreciated was that both me and Alex could take it during the preconception period.

There is increasing research showing that paternal nutrition also matters for fertility and sperm quality, something I think is often overlooked when discussions focus only on the woman.

Why Prenatal Nutrition Matters Most in Early Pregnancy

One reason I personally prioritized a more comprehensive prenatal in the beginning is because the first trimester is such a crucial period for development.

Many foundational systems develop very early:

• the neural tube
• brain and spinal cord development
• organ formation
• placenta development

This is also why folate is so strongly recommended before pregnancy even begins.

In many ways, the nutritional foundation is laid very early — often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

That made me feel more comfortable investing in a more advanced supplement during that stage.

The Downsides of Tresos

The biggest downside for us was honestly logistics.

Since we live in Cyprus, it became very expensive and impractical to continue ordering Tresos regularly due to shipping costs and availability.

And this is actually something important to consider when choosing supplements: sustainability.

A supplement routine only works long-term if it is realistic financially and practically.

Eventually, I reached a point where continuing Tresos no longer made sense for us logistically, especially later in pregnancy.

Switching to Pregnacare Original

For the past two months, I’ve instead been taking Pregnacare Original.

Pregnacare is probably one of the most widely available prenatal supplements in Europe, and compared to Tresos it is much simpler and more accessible.

But simpler does not necessarily mean bad.

It still covers the core recommendations for pregnancy very well, including:

• folic acid
• vitamin D
• iodine
• iron
• zinc
• B vitamins

And the “Plus” version also includes omega-3 DHA. (vitabiotics.com)

The biggest difference is more about quality and forms of nutrients rather than missing the essentials entirely.

For example:

• Pregnacare uses standard folic acid rather than methylfolate
• the minerals are less advanced in form
• it contains fewer “extra” nutrients like choline, inositol, lutein, and K2

But it is still a solid prenatal.

Comparing the Two

Tresos Pro Natal+

Pros

• Highly bioavailable nutrient forms
• Contains methylfolate instead of folic acid
• Includes choline and additional supportive nutrients
• More comprehensive formulation
• Feels very “premium” and practitioner-focused

Cons

• Expensive
• Difficult availability outside certain countries
• Higher shipping costs
• Less practical long-term

Pregnacare Original

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy to find internationally
• Covers essential pregnancy nutrients well
• Simple and practical

Cons

• Uses less advanced nutrient forms
• Less comprehensive overall
• Fewer supportive nutrients beyond the basics

How I Personally Think About It

For me, the timing mattered.

During preconception and the first trimester, I personally felt better taking the more advanced option because development is happening so rapidly at that stage.

Now, in the third trimester, things feel a bit different. At this point, the baby is mostly growing, gaining fat, and continuing maturation rather than building entirely new foundational systems.

That made me personally feel comfortable switching to a more basic prenatal that still covers the essentials.

And honestly, I still feel very good.

There Is No Perfect Prenatal

One thing I’ve learned through pregnancy is that there is no universally perfect supplement.

What matters depends on:

• budget
• availability
• individual nutrient status
• digestive tolerance
• stage of pregnancy
• personal priorities

For some people, a simpler prenatal may be absolutely enough.

For others, especially if they have deficiencies, digestive issues, fertility challenges, or specific genetic considerations, a more comprehensive option may feel worthwhile.

I’m simply grateful that I had access to Tresos during the earliest and most important stage — and equally grateful that there are more practical alternatives available when life and logistics make things more complicated.