· By Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder + CEO of Pink Stork, Certified Health Coach, INHC
How can you build a wellness foundation in your 20s before pregnancy?
Even if pregnancy isn't on your immediate radar, folic acid and a nutrient-dense daily routine are worth building now, since neural tube development in a future pregnancy begins very early, often before a positive test.† Building the habit early means you're not starting from zero when the time comes.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition.
Why folic acid comes up so early
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that prenatal vitamin use is associated with a lower risk of miscarriage, and most prenatal multivitamins contain adequate folic acid for average-risk women. Since roughly half of pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned, some women choose to start a comprehensive prenatal earlier than they might expect to need one.
"What are the things that you can gain from optimizing your health?"
— Dr. Tosin Odunsi, MD, MPH, FACOG, Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician
What a preconception-minded routine looks like
Total Prenatal, designed for preconception through breastfeeding, provides methylated folate, gentle iron, choline, and vitamin D as part of a 22-nutrient blend, formulated for exactly this kind of forward-looking routine.† It's not only relevant once you're actively trying to conceive; many providers recommend starting three to six months ahead of time.
"Whatever season you're in right now, taking care of your body is never wasted effort. It's an investment you get to keep drawing on later." — Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork
Layering in whole-food nutrition
Alongside a prenatal-forward routine, many women in their 20s build a whole-food foundation with our beef organ supplement formulated specifically for women, which supplies naturally occurring iron and B-vitamins that support energy and nutrient density well before pregnancy is on the table.†
You don't have to have it all figured out
Building this kind of routine doesn't require a firm timeline. It's less about a specific plan to conceive by a certain date and more about not being caught flat-footed nutritionally whenever that timeline does take shape.
Trust in what you are taking
- Total Prenatal is third-party tested at ISO 17025 accredited labs and manufactured in cGMP-certified facilities.
- Beef Organ Complex is Clean Label Project Purity Award certified.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Should I start taking a prenatal vitamin if I'm not trying to get pregnant yet?
Some women choose to, particularly if pregnancy is a future goal, since roughly half of pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned and folic acid needs begin very early. Talk with your provider about your specific situation.
How early does folic acid actually matter?
Neural tube development begins very early in pregnancy, often before a positive pregnancy test, which is why folic acid is recommended before conception, not just after.
Is it too early to think about this in my 20s?
No. Many providers recommend starting a folic acid-containing supplement at least three months before actively trying to conceive, whenever that time comes.
What if I don't plan to have children anytime soon?
A general whole-food multivitamin routine can still support your health now, and you can transition to a prenatal-specific formula whenever your plans change.
Can I take a whole-food supplement and a prenatal vitamin together?
Many women do. Talk with your healthcare provider about how the two fit together and whether any nutrients might overlap.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.
