 [ Symptoms ] is there a difference between prenatal vitamins prescribed by my doctor and over the counter choices at the pharmacy [ Disease ] over the counter vitamins usually have less folic acid than prescription prenatal vitamins also depending on your lab results your doctor may have prescribed more or less of some vitamins so consult with your ob gyn first if your doctor approves it is fine to use over the counter vitamins it is really important to make sure you are giving your body the right nutrients during this time of fetal growth