Should you take a prenatal before you're actively trying to conceive?

Yes, if you may become pregnant at some point, starting a prenatal before you are actively trying is a reasonable and often recommended choice. Folic acid needs time to build up in your body, and the earliest weeks of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant, are the most critical window for its protective benefit.

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

Why "before trying" is not too early

The CDC states plainly that getting 400 micrograms of folic acid daily is important even if you are not currently planning to become pregnant, precisely because pregnancy can happen before you expect it and folic acid needs to be in your system during the earliest weeks of fetal development (CDC). The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development similarly notes that taking a supplement containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid before getting pregnant can reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NICHD).

What "before trying" actually looks like in practice

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends taking a daily prenatal vitamin at least one month before pregnancy and continuing through the first 12 weeks (ACOG).
• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force frames the critical folic acid window as starting at least one month before conception, which by definition means before you know you have conceived (USPSTF).
• You do not need to be on a strict timeline. Starting a prenatal as part of a broader "someday, not yet" family-planning mindset is a reasonable use of the supplement.

Pairing it with cycle and hormone support before you're ready to try

Our prenatal with methylated folate and gentle iron is formulated to be taken consistently from preconception through breastfeeding, which makes it a reasonable starting point whenever you begin thinking about pregnancy, even loosely.† If cycle regularity or hormone health is also part of what you are working on before you actively try, our 40:1 myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol blend is formulated to support hormonal wellness, ovarian health, and menstrual cycle regularity during the preconception phase specifically.†

Myo Chiro 40:1 is not for use during pregnancy. It is intended for the preconception and cycle-support phase, and should be stopped once pregnancy is confirmed. Talk with your provider about the transition from Myo Chiro 40:1 to Total Prenatal as your plans move from "someday" to "actively trying."

"Long before I was ready to actually try, I was already building the habits I wanted in place. Starting early never felt wasted, even during the years it was still just a someday plan."

— Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork

Frequently asked questions

Is it too early to take a prenatal if I am not actively trying to conceive yet?

No. Many health organizations recommend folic acid intake for all women who could become pregnant, not only those currently trying.

How long before trying to conceive should I start a prenatal?

At least one month is the commonly cited minimum, though starting earlier is also reasonable and not considered harmful.†

Can I take a prenatal and a cycle-support supplement like Myo Chiro 40:1 at the same time before trying?

Yes, many women use both during the preconception phase. Myo Chiro 40:1 is not for use once pregnancy is confirmed.†

What if I get pregnant sooner than expected while already on a prenatal?

That is one of the main reasons early supplementation is recommended. Your prenatal is already supporting the earliest, most critical window.

Do I need a doctor's visit before starting a prenatal preconception?

It is not strictly required to start, but a preconception visit is a good opportunity to discuss your full health history and any specific supplement needs.

Should I stop taking Myo Chiro 40:1 once I actively start trying?

You can continue it during the trying-to-conceive phase, but it should be stopped once pregnancy is confirmed, since it is not intended for use during pregnancy.†

† 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.