What nutrients are you most likely to run low on during pregnancy and postpartum?

Iron, folate, and choline are the three nutrients most pregnant women in the United States fall short on, according to national dietary data, and all three carry real consequences when intake is too low. A well-formulated prenatal, alongside a varied diet, is the most practical way to close these gaps.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition.

The nutrients that matter most

According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, the recommended daily iron intake increases to 27 mg during pregnancy, yet most pregnant women in the United States have dietary iron intakes below the estimated average requirement. The same is true for choline, where the adequate intake rises to 450 mg during pregnancy, but most pregnant women don't consume the recommended amount, and less than half of prenatal supplements on the market even contain it.

"A lot of women come with a list. A physical handwritten list of symptoms. Or maybe supplements they've been wondering about. And I'm like, we need to talk about sleep and what are your habits, and yes I need to explain hormones."

— Jessica Nazzaro, DO, FACOG, NCMP, Board-Certified OB-GYN and National Certified Menopause Practitioner

Why these specific nutrients matter

• Iron: Supports increased blood volume and healthy iron status during pregnancy.† Low intake is associated with increased risk of complications, according to ACOG.
• Folate: Supports healthy fetal neural tube development, especially important in the earliest weeks of pregnancy.†
• Choline: Supports healthy fetal brain and spinal cord development.† Most prenatal supplements on the market provide only small amounts.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy diet is the best way to get most vitamins and minerals, but pregnancy often creates gaps that prenatal vitamins are designed to help fill.

"Extra assurance that you're getting an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals."

— Shellie Hawk, CNM, Certified Nurse Midwife, Cleveland Clinic

Where Total Prenatal and Total Postnatal fit

• Our prenatal with methylated folate and gentle iron, formulated with 22 vitamins and minerals including methylated folate, iron bisglycinate chelate, and choline†
• Our postnatal multivitamin with DHA and methylated folate, to support postpartum recovery and replenishment as nutrient needs shift after delivery†

"When I was pregnant with my first, sick as I was, all I could think was: I have to get this baby what she needs. That drive is what led me to formulate Pink Stork's prenatal in the first place."

— Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork

For a deeper look at iron specifically, see our guides on iron needs during pregnancy and postpartum iron replenishment. Sleep is another common postpartum gap, covered in our guide to sleep support during pregnancy and postpartum.

Total Prenatal features ScentCert technology to reduce scent-triggered nausea and is third-party tested at ISO 17025 accredited labs; Total Postnatal + DHA is a Clean Label Project Purity Award winner and Amazon's best-selling postnatal multivitamin (2024). Both are part of the Pink Stork line with 50,000+ verified Amazon reviews across the brand.

Frequently asked questions

What nutrient do most pregnant women fall short on?

According to NIH data, iron and choline are among the nutrients most pregnant women in the U.S. don't get enough of through diet alone.

Do all prenatal vitamins contain choline?

No. Less than half of prenatal supplements on the market contain choline, and those that do often provide only small amounts.

When should I start taking a prenatal vitamin?

Many healthcare providers recommend starting a prenatal vitamin before conception, since neural tube development happens very early in pregnancy.

How long should I continue taking a postnatal vitamin?

Many healthcare providers recommend continuing postnatal supplementation for up to a year postpartum, or as long as you're breastfeeding.†

Can diet alone cover these nutrient needs during pregnancy?

A healthy diet is the foundation, but pregnancy increases requirements for several nutrients, which is why many healthcare providers recommend a prenatal vitamin alongside a varied diet.

† 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.