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Perelel Conception Support Pack: Everything You Need to Know

Prenatal Vitamins are a must for anyone TTC, pregnant, postpartum, or lactating.  Taking a high-quality multivitamin during the preconception phase can support pregnancy outcomes by improving egg quality and blood folate levels. Enter Perelel Conception Support Pack, a pack of vitamins designed specifically for the preconception phase. But is it worth the hype? Here’s my honest review of the Perelel Conception Support Pack.

*This article should not be construed as medical advice, and cannot replace the guidance of your qualified health professional. Disclosure: I’m a Perelel Pack ambassador, and may earn a small commission if you purchase using my links and codes. All opinions expressed are my own, and this post was not sponsored.* 

Perelel P Pack

Why Prenatal Supplements Matter for TTC

Supplements can fill in the gaps that our modern diets leave in our nutrition. These nutrient gaps become more critical when planning or supporting a pregnancy. One of my favorite books on this topic, It Starts with the Egg, underscores this point.  The main reasons to take a prenatal vitamin before even  trying to conceive are to:

  1. Build up your blood folate levels. Folate helps prevent neural tube defects, and the critical window for this is in early pregnancy. It could take months to build up your stores high enough, which is why it’s good to start early.
  2. Support your cycle and egg quality by replenishing nutrients. Research shows that taking a multivitamin reduces the chances of infertility due to ovulation issues. B6, B12, zinc, and selenium have all been studied for their beneficial impacts on egg quality and fertility. 
  3. Address nutrient deficiencies prior to pregnancy. Pregnancy demands a lot of the body. Going in with some “reserve” can help you have a smoother ride, possibly with less symptoms. 

Perelel Prenatal Vitamins

 

Perelel Conception Support Pack

Perelel Conception Support Pack

What’s Included in Perelel Conception Support Pack

The Perelel Conception Support Pack has 3 capsules and 1 softgel. This combination was formulated by a panel of top OB/GYNs, nutritionists, reproductive endocrinologists, and naturopathic doctors. The ingredients are targeted for this specific stage of preconception.

Perelel Core Prenatal Multi

These 2 capsules are your core prenatal multivitamin. They contain folate, the full spectrum of B vitamins, iron, choline, and other nutrients.  

Folate & CoQ10

The third capsule is a blend of extra folate plus CoQ10. Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short, is an antioxidant that supports egg health and energy, as well as heart health. It’s made naturally by the body and found in just about every cell in the body.

Folate supports baby’s neural tube development, and it’s important to raise your red blood cell folate levels before you get pregnant. This is because the neural tube closes very early in pregnancy, and it could take a few months to reach optimal blood folate levels. 

Omega-3 Fish Oil

Omega-3 fish oil contains numerous benefits, including reducing inflammation, preventing preterm birth, and supporting baby’s brain development. Most prenatal vitamins don’t contain Omega-3s at all, so you need to add them separately. Having a separate soft gel already included in the Perelel Conception Support Pack is a major bonus that makes things easier for you. Plus, it’s better to have Omega-3s in their own soft gel rather than combined in your prenatal multi capsule: this may help the formula from going rancid. 

Perelel Conception Support Pack

My Personal Experience with Perelel Conception Support Pack

Personally, I really love this prenatal vitamin! For me, Perelel Conception Support Pack is the perfect mix of high folate, full-spectrum B vitamins in bioavailable forms, while not having too much B12 which gives me insomnia if methylcobalamin is the form used. 

I did end up adding onto this prenatal pack with some of my own supplement choices. I wanted extra CoQ10, Omega-3 fish oil, and selenium for thyroid support.

The Perelel Conception Support Pack is easy to take; I didn’t get any fishy burps or vitamin nausea. The packaging also looked cute sitting on my desk, which is where I keep my daily supplement stack.  The packs were easy to stash in my toiletry bag for a trip to Hawaii this summer, too.

The Perelel Conception Support Pack has been my go-to prenatal vitamin for months before even TTC. I really like how Perelel offers different packs by stage, making it easy to get the right nutrients for each specific trimester, where needs vary! It contains much more supportive levels of nutrients in better, bioavailable forms than your average drugstore prenatal vitamin or gummy prenatal vitamin. Yet, it isn’t super high in B12 or Biotin like some other high-end prenatals, which makes it easier for me to tolerate. Overall, it’s been my personal favorite, although I do add some other nutrients to it as well. 

If you want to try it, my link and code MERRITT15 gets you 15% off Perelel products. 

Other Benefits of Choosing Perelel

Third Party Testing for Supplement Purity

Third party testing is critical when choosing a prenatal supplement. Supplements are not FDA-regulated. This means that ingredients labels are often inaccurate, and the products often contain higher levels of heavy metals and other contaminants. Perelel Conception Support Pack is Clean Label Project certified, meaning they’ve been third party tested for label accuracy and product purity from contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides. Clean Label Project is an excellent, free resource for checking certain product labels! Check them out. 

Convenient Packaging Makes it Easy to Stick to Your Routine

Perelel Conception Support Pack is a very comprehensive prenatal vitamin system that provides the major nutrients you need while planning a pregnancy, all in one easy pack. The convenience of separately-portioned packs is easy for travel, work, on-the-go, and ultimately makes it easier for busy people to stick to a new supplement routine. Make your order a subscription so reordering is seamless and you never run out! 

Perelel Conception Support Pack

Why Perelel Conception Support Pack Might Not Be For You

If You Have a Strict Budget

At $45/month with a subscription, this is a pricy option. But you’re getting very high quality for the price: Clean Label Certified vitamins plus extras like the CoQ10 and Omega-3 that other prenatal vitamins do not include.

If You’re Deficient in B12

Some people will need more B12 than what’s in this formula. To check your B12 status, get a blood test for Methylmalonic Acid. It will show whether your body is functionally deficient in B12. For me personally, this B12 amount is perfect; higher amounts give me headaches and insomnia.

If You Want More Omega-3 DHA

The DHA Omega-3 provided by the included soft gel is 250mg. Studies show that 500mg is a more supportive dose. You may want to take additional Omega-3 fish oil, or aim to eat fatty fish like salmon 2-3x weekly. Other populations such as those with autoimmune issues or trouble conceiving may benefit from higher doses.

If You Want More CoQ10 for Egg Quality

The CoQ10 included in the Conception Support Pack is 50mg of ubiquinone. Some studies show that higher amounts could be beneficial for egg quality, especially for certain populations. If this is you, you might want to add on extra CoQ10.

If You Prefer Iron Separately

The Perelel Conception Support Pack includes 16mg of iron in the form ferrous bisglycinate chelate. This is a great form–it’s typically better absorbed with less digestive issues. Some people may need more iron than this, but it depends on your bloodwork. Check your ferritin levels to see if you need more iron. 

Also, some people find that their iron absorbs better and helps raise ferritin better when taken separately from their other vitamins. If you are trying to raise your ferritin, you may want a prenatal vitamin without iron at all, so that you can add on your preferred dose and form separately.

 

Still Not Sure Perelel Conception Support Pack is Right for You?

For other brands to consider, check out my article: My Honest Prenatal Vitamins Review: The Best Brands.

Whether you’re TTC, pregnant, postpartum, or just looking for supportive supplements, I hope you found this prenatal vitamins review helpful. Don’t forget to use my links and codes for special discounts!

Dive in!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I would never recommend anything I wouldn’t personally use, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!

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Easy Daily Detox: 5 Detox Habits to Start Now

The New Year is a great time to reset and let go. After holiday indulgence, many of use are looking to detoxify and cleanse. Liver detox supplements are popular, and I’ve tried a few myself. But you don’t need to do a provoked detox, master cleanse, or use any supplements to get real results. With these 5 easy daily detox habits, you can get great detoxifying benefits without extra supplements or stress on the body. Following as many of these habits that you can on a daily basis will help your body release toxins, so you can head into the holidays feeling better and more resilient than ever!  

*This article should not be construed as medical advice, and cannot replace the guidance of your qualified health professional.* 

6 Detoxifying Foods to Add to Your Diet

Food fuels us, and the quality of what we eat can either help or hinder our ability to detoxify. Start withe detox-supporting foods to add a boost to your diet. The more detoxifying foods you can eat in a day, the better.

Hot Lemon Water for a Gentle Liver Cleanse

Hot lemon water is my morning staple! Lemons are rich in vitamin C, a well-known immune system supporter. Hot lemon water is also a gentle way to help stimulate liver detoxification and better digestion. Better digested food = happier gut. Bonus: wean yourself off coffee and start your day with hot lemon water instead. Your whole body will thank you!

Cranberry Juice for a Gut Superfood

Colorful and in season, cranberries are a great source of antioxidants and also possess antibacterial properties! Cranberry juice is known to inhibit the growth of E.Coli, H. Pylori, and streptococcus, and has long been a staple for those with a tendency to get UTIs. Drink 1/4 cup of juice any time of day, or make some real cranberry sauce for the holidays (for the love of detoxifying, skip the canned stuff!!). When buying a juice, choose organic and no added sugar. It’s more expensive, but cranberry bogs are high pesticide users if not organic, due to their difficult farming.

Cruciferous Vegetables aka Cauliflower and Broccoli

Cauliflower and broccoli are crucifiers, and they can help your liver detox! Roast with olive oil and other root vegetables for an easy fall side dish.

Broccoli Sprouts for Sulforaphane & Stage II Liver Detox

The liver has two stages of detoxification. Phase I creates byproducts that are often more toxic, and must be excreted by being bound and carried out of the body. That’s where Stage II comes in. One compound that supports stage II is called sulforaphane, and this supports the liver’s sulfation pathway. Broccoli sprouts are rich in sulforaphane, and tasty! They look like little green leaves, and have a mild taste. I add about 1/4 cup daily to one of my meals. Easily add broccoli sprouts to tuna salad, a harvest turkey bowl (with sweet potato and brown rice),  or as a side to just about anything.

Beets for Detoxifying Folate

Beets are full of folate! Folate is an important B vitamin. It helps clear out homocysteine, which is a toxic byproduct of normal metabolism. My favorite beets are vinegar-soaked, which has the added benefit of meaning I don’t have to prepare them and endure the mess. Beets make this beautiful magenta color when you cut them, but they stain like no other. I like to eat one or two small beets before a protein-rich dinner.

Cilantro and Green Juice for a Gentle Heavy Metal Cleanse 

Gently detoxify heavy metals with a tasty green juice! Cilantro is a chelator; it binds to toxins like heavy metals, so they can be carried out of the body. Adding greens to a juice is a natural way to get chlorophyll, a compound that makes plants green and has detoxifying benefits. I use fresh, washed organic cilantro, coconut water, lemon juice, and Mary Ruth’s Chlorophyll drops, then blend in a blender. Then I top it off with hot water for a warm drink before bed.

How to Move Your Body for Better Detox

Sweating

Have you heard the phrase “sweat out the toxins?” Well it’s dead-on. Sweating is one of the ways that the body naturally rids itself of toxins. Anything that gets you sweating is helpful: running, hot yoga, red light sauna, even a hot bath. Try to sweat it out a few times a week and feel the benefits. 

Twisting and Yoga

Yoga is such a great exercise for the whole body. Incorporate some gentle twists into your daily practice and “rinse” the spine of toxins. 

Rebounding 

Rebounding activities are bouncing ones, like running, jumping, skipping, and to some extent, walking. The bouncing motion of rebounding physically moves the lymph fluid around your body, helping your body process and remove toxins by improving the flow of drainage. Let’s talk more about the habits that help with lymphatic drainage.

Try Lymphatic Drainage for Full Body Detox

In addition to rebounding activities and physical movement, you can encourage the movement of lymph fluid in your body by adopting these relaxing self-care habits.

Dry Brushing

Call me Gwyneth, but I LOVE dry brushing! It’s truly been a game-changer for my health, and I notice it’s kept a little sniffle from becoming a cold more than once. Dry brushing feels so relaxing, but it can also be stimulating. Dry brushing before showering is such a relaxing ritual, and one that I look forward to every day. After dry brushing, wash off the dead skin cells in the shower and see how soft your skin feels! Dry brushing is a great way to wake up your lymphatic drainage and prepare your skin for absorbing moisturizing oils better. It’s a great precursor to the next healthy detox habit: gua sha.

Gua Sha–Yes, For Your Whole Body! 

Gua sha is not just for your face. With a larger gut sha tool, you can “sculpt” your whole body for a relaxing detox routine. After showering, I apply a clean body oil all over. (My favorite is by The Golden Secrets). Then, I gua sha the right side of my body completely, followed by the left side. This is a super relaxing ritual to do before bed, and is even more restorative when combined with an affirmations audio. Try it out and see if your dreams are just a little sweeter.

Get Your (Detoxifying) Beauty Sleep

The body does some major damage control while we sleep.  This is the main time of day when our brains are detoxifying! Inadequate sleep can actually reduce this brain-cleansing process, meaning proteins can build up in the brain. Getting enough rest really is equivalent to “beauty sleep,” so don’t skimp. Make sure you’re getting at least 7-9 hours nightly. As someone who has always needed sleep on the higher end of that range, I can’t comprehend sleeping less than 8 hours per night. I feel like a zombie! I also don’t drink any caffeine, and I wonder whether others would rate their sleep needs higher if they just kicked the caffeine/coffee habit. 🙂  To promote better sleep, cut off caffeine intake about 8 hours before bedtime; the earlier, the better.

Eliminate Toxins from Your Body

To support elimination of toxins, we need to, well, eliminate. Quite simply, make sure you’re drinking enough water (about 2-3L daily), and having at least one complete bowel movement daily.

Drink Up! Stay Hydrated to Detox

Every single cell in our bodies needs water. Staying hydrated ensures that our bodies have what they need to do their jobs. Aim for 2-3L of water daily. Start your day with lemon water, keep a glass or stainless steel water bottle on your desk, and reach for water before snacks.

Another way to stay hydrated is to avoid things that dehydrate you. Caffeine is a big one to avoid, but pay attention to how you feel after a shower or sauna. Maybe it’s too hot for you; you should feel better, not worse.

Daily Poops to Detoxify

When we don’t poop, those processed toxins sit and hang out in our gut. It’s absolutely essential to have healthy poops for a healthy detoxification system! If you aren’t having at least one full BM daily, here are some strategies to try:

  • Increase Water Intake
  • Increase Fiber Intake 
  • Cut Out Processed Sugars and Grains
  • Move Your Body More

There you have it: 5 simple, easy ways to detox that you can do daily! Try some or all of them, and see how your body thrives.

Dive into Detox!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I would never recommend anything I wouldn’t personally use, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!

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Is Instant Hydration Good? These Clean Electrolyte Brands are Better

Is your newsfeed inundated with electrolyte advertising like mine? Electrolytes are having a big moment, and for good reason. Electrolyte balance is crucial for feeling and performing our best. We can’t always replenish our electrolytes with food, and sometimes a supplement is needed. But before Instagram influences you to buy Instant Hydration, I’ll show you why Needed Hydration is far superior. Oh, and snag a Black Friday discount, too, if you’re ready to try it! 

*This article should not be construed as medical advice, and cannot replace the guidance of your qualified health professional.* 

prenatal vitamins

A Caution About Supplements

Lately I’ve seen lots of influencer adds for various supplements. Sometimes the supplements are high-quality, but often they’re not. It’s so important to carefully choose what you consume, because the supplement industry is not regulated. Product labels are often wildly different from actual product content, and brands rely on celebrity placements to cover up their lack of transparency. Don’t fall into this trap! Make sure the supplements you consume are third-party tested for quality and purity (and results are published!), make sure the product is without fillers, thickeners, or even added “natural” flavors. And lastly, check out the brand’s website. If they pay lip service to “science” but don’t cite any sources or link to real research studies, it’s a red flag. Even worse? Brands that pretend to have a sustainability initiative but actually explain very little about what that means or how they’re tracking it. Don’t settle for less– you simply don’t have to!

Now that I’ve saved you from being duped, let’s talk electrolytes.

Why Electrolytes Are Important

Our bodies need electrolytes to function. They carry electrical signals between cells, which is crucial for nerve and muscle function. Water alone is not enough to be truly hydrated; our bodies need electrolytes, too! We can often get electrolytes like salt from our daily diets, but others, such as magnesium, are hard to get in sufficient amounts without supplementation.

When Should You Supplement with Electrolytes

Whenever you sweat, you lose not just water, but also electrolytes in the form of salt and other minerals. Extra exertion, whether from running, heavy weightlifting, or pregnancy, means that you’re likely using up more electrolytes than you’re replenishing.  In some cases, drinking more water when you’re dehydrated can actually worsen your dehydration, because it dilutes your electrolytes! 

An easy way to increase your electrolyte intake is by adding some pink salt to a morning cup of hot lemon water. Just a pinch is all you need and you won’t even taste it! For more strenuous exercise or if you’re struggling with hydration, add a dedicated electrolyte supplement. But don’t just pick any electrolyte supplement; here’s how to choose the best. 

 

Don’t Be Fooled: Most Electrolyte Blends are Junk

There are numerous electrolyte supplements to choose from, but not all are created equal. Instant Hydration has been all over my newsfeed, with multiple well-known influencers hyping it up. They certainly paid for the marketing, but is there anything to it? A quick scan of the ingredients shows it to be pretty good, but all the “French Grey Salt” in the world doesn’t make up for the natural flavors added and total lack of transparency, to me. 

Why You Want to Avoid Natural Flavor

“Natural flavors” are hard to avoid these days, but I find it so odd that a brand would go to the trouble of highlighting fancy ingredients like “French salt” to then fall back on the natural flavors. “Natural” flavors can be highly processed, and contain chemicals that aren’t disclosed. It’s such a lack of transparency and it’s jut not necessary. 

What Transparency & Science Really Mean for Electrolytes

There’s an entire navigational tab on Instant Hydration’s website devoted to “Science,” but it was extremely disappointing. It contained only vague statements about why electrolytes are needed and hydration is important, but cited zero sources. Also, with an entire tab devoted to “Science,” I’m expecting linked research studies pertaining to the product or its ingredients. I didn’t find either.

Sustainability 

Instant Hydration claims to get their mineral blend from 600m deep in the Pacific Ocean, by Aquamin. How are they doing this sustainably? Aquamin’s website lists numerous sustainability goals, but they’re vague and don’t mention this deep sea mineral harvesting. On the other hand, Instant Hydration’s sustainability statement is three sentences: “We’re committed to ocean health. In our first year, we’ve pledged to remove 11,000 pounds of plastic from the ocean. We partner with CleanHub to end plastic pollution and protect our seas, which provide 70% of the oxygen we breathe.”  But this says nothing of their personal impact, which I find odd, since they are specifically highlighting use of this deep sea mineral blend. 

How to Choose the Best Electrolyte Supplement

Third Party Testing for Supplement Purity

Supplements are not FDA-regulated. This means that ingredients labels are often inaccurate, and the products often contain higher levels of heavy metals and other contaminants. Needed is Clean Label Project certified, meaning they’ve been third party tested for label accuracy and product purity from contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides. Clean Label Project is an excellent, free resource for checking certain product labels! Check them out. Alternatively, Skratch Labs actually is FDA-regulated, as it’s considered a food company. 

No Added Junk

Many electrolyte brands contain extra junk that you don’t need. Steer clear of anything with added gums or fillers. These are likely to hurt your stomach, too!

No Artificial Flavors or Sweeteners

It’s important to be mindful of your total sugar intake. In the case of electrolytes, some sugar content can actually help you hydrate. If you’re a heavy sweater or participate in high intensity endurance sports like running, swimming, or cycling (or all three), you may actually want some sugar in your drink. 

For all others, you’re likely looking to minimize sugar, but don’t make the mistake of assuming that artificial is better. In fact, I recommend to avoid any supplements with artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. Research has shown that these just aren’t good for you. And moreover, they aren’t necessary. There are several brands I know and trust that get their flavor and slight sweetness from real fruit.

Real, Published Science

Sadly, the words “research” and “science” are so overused today as to immediately draw my suspicion. Since we know supplements are not FDA-regulated, the burden of proof is on the brands themselves for the efficacy and quality of their products. Brands I trust, like Needed, actively invest in research related to women’s health and their products, and publish the results of those studies. 

Choose Electrolytes with a Commitment to Sustainability 

Needed participates in 1% for the Planet, is Climate Neutral Certified and a Certified B Corp.

Best Electrolytes for Endurance Athletes

One of my favorite brands of electrolytes for endurance sports is Skratch. Made from real fruit and some real sugar, these are built to replenish what you’ve lost. Since they contain sugar, factor that into your total carbohydrate intake post-workout. Their website explains why they chose their electrolyte profile, and they have a real FAQ section, and a blog with numerous topics (with citations). I’ve used Skratch when training for half marathons and it hydrates without hurting my stomach! They even have no-sugar options.

Bundle Hydration Support with Collagen

One of my favorite electrolyte supplements for everyday use is Needed Hydration Support. They come in easy to use, convenient packets that are perfect for travel or on-the-go. They’re naturally sweetened with fruit and monk fruit, and they’re Clean Label Project certified, so you know they’ve been third party tested for accuracy and purity. 

We brought these on our honeymoon and they saved us from the hot Hawaiian sun! One of my favorite ways to take these electrolytes is by adding them to Needed Collagen Protein, for a hydrating dose of collagen on-the-go. Needed offers a bundle of both products so you can save money when you buy them together. It’s their Pregnancy Nausea Bundle, but rest assured that it works well for those that aren’t pregnant, and my husband likes it, too! Try the variety pack so you can sample all three flavors. 

Right now Needed is having their Black Friday sale! To try Needed, use this link to get 25% off a new subscription (code HOLIDAY25 is applied automatically at checkout). Or use code MERRITT for 20% off a single item. 

Dive in to clean electrolytes!

prenatal vitamin nutrients

 

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I would never recommend anything I wouldn’t personally use, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!

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Choline: An Important Prenatal Nutrient

Before, during, and after pregnancy are very demanding times on the body. After all, you’re growing and sustaining another human! It’s nearly impossible to get all your nutrients from diet alone. You can get a significant boost from a high-quality prenatal vitamin, but it’s likely you’ll need to add to it! Learn why choline during pregnancy is so critical, why you might want to supplement, and why Needed Choline+ is a great choice. 

*This article should not be construed as medical advice, and cannot replace the guidance of your qualified health professional.* 

prenatal vitamins

Choline is Essential for Baby’s Brain

Getting enough choline during pregnancy supports baby’s brain development and supplementing can produce lasting benefits for children’s brain function and memory. 

Why Supplement with Choline During Pregnancy

During early pregnancy, 450mg is recommended daily, and that goes up to 550mg daily in the second and third trimesters. 

It Can Be Difficult to Get Choline from Diet Alone

Three eggs yolks provide about 450mg of choline, making eggs a great dietary source! However, some people don’t tolerate eggs due to nausea or other dietary restrictions. Choline can be found in chicken, fish, beef, broccoli, and other foods. If trying to get choline from diet alone and not eating eggs, you may need to keep a close eye on the choline content of your foods to ensure you’re getting enough.

Your Prenatal Probably Doesn’t Have Enough Choline

Most prenatal vitamins contain very low levels of choline, much less than needed. So if you aren’t eating eggs regularly, and your prenatal has low choline, you’l likely need to add a supplement to hit your daily target. You can easily add more choline during pregnancy to your Prenatal Vitamin subscription with Needed Choline.

prenatal vitamin nutrients

Why I Recommend Needed Choline+

Needed Choline+ is Optimal for Pregnancy

Needed Choline+ provides 500mg of Choline Chloride per capsule. This is a bioavailable and clinically studied form of Choline. Choline+ is also non-GMO, gluten-free, talc-free, and made without the 9 major allergens and synthetic colors. You can easily add more choline to your Prenatal Vitamin subscription with Needed Choline.

Third Party Testing for Supplement Purity

Supplements are not FDA-regulated. This means that ingredients labels are often inaccurate, and the products often contain higher levels of heavy metals and other contaminants. Needed is Clean Label Project certified, meaning they’ve been third party tested for label accuracy and product purity from contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides. Clean Label Project is an excellent, free resource for checking certain product labels! Check them out. 

needed cholineMore Top Pregnancy Nutrients

Choline during pregnancy supports baby’s brain development. Most prenatal vitamins contain very low levels of choline, much less than needed during pregnancy. Unless you’re eating eggs every day, you likely need to add a choline supplement to hit your goals. You can easily add more choline to your Prenatal Vitamin subscription with Needed Choline.

To try Needed, code: MERRITT gets you up to 40% off pre-bundled plans, and 25%+ off your first subscription order!

prenatal vitamins

Recommended Reading for Pregnancy Supplements

I highly recommend reading Rebecca Fett’s books It Starts with the Egg, It Starts with the Bump, and Brain Health from Birth, for more details on the science of egg quality and a healthy pregnancy. These books helped inform my prenatal vitamins review, and contain a wealth of information that you probably aren’t getting from your OB.

For more, check out my article My Honest Prenatal Vitamins Review: The Best Brands., and Trimester-Specific Nutrients to Add to Your Prenatal Vitamin Now.

Dive in!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I would never recommend anything I wouldn’t personally use, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!

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Curious About Natural Cycles? 5 Reasons You’ll Love It

Are you ready to ditch hormonal birth control, but aren’t ready for kids? Are you TTC and want to find your fertile window? Did you have a baby (congrats!) and want to nourish yourself postpartum? Maybe you just want more insights into your reproductive health. Natural Cycles can help with all of these stages. I’ve been using Natural Cycles for almost 6 years (that’s 71 cycles and counting!). Here are 5 reasons why you’ll love Natural Cycles as much as I do!

*This article should not be construed as medical advice, and cannot replace the guidance of your qualified health professional. I may earn commissions from links on this page. The income goes to running this site, and all opinions are my own.* prenatal vitamins

1. Natural Cycles is Non-Hormonal Birth Control 

Making the switch from traditional hormonal birth control to non-normal birth control with Natural Cycles was one of the biggest steps I’ve taken for my health. Six years later and 71 cycles in, I’ve never looked back. I only wish I’d ditched hormonal birth control sooner! That’s why reason number one you’ll love Natural Cycles is that it’s a completely hormone-free birth control method. And it’s the only app of its kind cleared by the FDA as birth control, plus it’s CE-marked in Europe and listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. 

Non-Hormonal Birth Control is a More Natural Way to Prevent Pregnancy

In my early 20s, I didn’t know much about the menstrual cycle, Basal Body Temperature (BBT), or even that you can’t get pregnant every day of your cycle. I was just too scared of getting pregnant before I was ready. I started hormonal birth control.

I started to question using hormonal birth control after developing a benign cyst in my breast. It went way, but I couldn’t help thinking that my birth control was playing with my hormones. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of valid reasons for using hormonal therapies. However, I wonder if we’re a bit too quick to reach for hormonal birth control.

Indeed, hormonal birth control is linked to an increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and stroke. It also slightly increases risk of breast and cervical cancer while taking the pill. Years later, I learned hormonal contraceptives could even be a trigger for developing Hashimoto’s! Everything in life comes with tradeoffs, and birth control is no exception. Yet, Natural Cycles non-hormonal birth control is as effective as the pill, without messing with your hormones. To me, that’s having your cake and eating it, too.

Use my code MERRITT15 for 15% off an annual plan, plus a free thermometer! 

Hormonal Birth Control for Other Reproductive Issues

Some people take hormonal birth control for the management of heavy bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, or other reproductive issues. In my opinion, there’s a risk here of just masking the issue by treating symptoms downstream. Women’s reproductive health issues remain complex and understudied. Well-meaning doctors offer the only methods they know: medication and surgery. Long-term use of hormonal birth control can lead to estrogen dominance, which can actually exacerbate the initial issue being treated. If this sounds like you, I would encourage you to do some digging and see if Estrogen dominance is a root cause for you. Some resources include: 

Overcoming  Estrogen Dominance by Magdalena Wszelaki, CH, HHC

Hashimoto’s Protocol by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP

2. Natural Cycles is as Effective as the Pill*

You see the asterisk there? It just means that it’s as effective under normal use. Let me explain.

Photo courtesy of Natural Cycles

Effectiveness is Based on “Typical” Use

Effectiveness is talked about in terms of “typical use” and “perfect use.” Natural Cycles stats that “typical use includes all unintended pregnancies and reflects the way a method is used in everyday life.” Whereas perfect use only includes pregnancies caused by a failure of the app, when a user is using it perfectly. Natural Cycles is 93% effective with typical use, and 98% effective with perfect use. By comparison, the contraceptive pill is 93% effective with typical use, and >99% effective with perfect use. To compare more birth control methods like condoms and IUDs, check out this Natural Cycles blog post.

Use my code MERRITT15 for 15% off an annual plan, plus a free thermometer! 

To Prevent Pregnancy, Pay Attention to the App

In order for Natural Cycles to be used as effective birth control and prevent pregnancy, you must pay attention to the app. The app will label the fertile days of your cycle as “red” days. These are days you could potentially get pregnant. To avoid pregnancy, abstain from sex or use protection on red days.

3. Natural Cycles Makes Tracking Fertility Easy

One of the reasons I LOVE Natural Cycles is that is syncs seamlessly with my Oura Ring. Say goodbye to remembering to take birth control pills at the same time each day, or manually taking your Basal Body Temperature in the morning when you wake up. Natural Cycles simplifies your cycle data to make tracking fertility easy.

Natural Cycles is a Convenient Place to Get All Your Cycle Data

Forget about multiple period tracking apps and health apps. Natural Cycles calculates all your cycle data for you, right in the app. This is invaluable whether you’re trying to find your most fertile days to conceive, or trying to avoid pregnancy. Plus, some period trackers may share your information. Natural Cycles provides advanced data privacy protection so your data stays safe, and yours.

Natural Cycles Integrates with Your Health Apps

Sync your Oura Ring, your Apple Watch, or use a thermometer for a more old-school approach. You have options! I use the Oura Ring integration, so the app takes my temperature while I’m sleeping. When I wake up, I open the app, and see if the day is “red” or “green.” It doesn’t get easier than that!

If you prefer to take your temperature manually, or your don’t have an Apple Watch or Oura Ring, just keep your Natural Cycles thermometer by your bedside, and measure first thing in the morning, before you get out of bed.

Use my code MERRITT15 for 15% off an annual plan, plus a free thermometer! 

4. Cycle Insights: Period, Ovulation, & More

Natural Cycles is a Convenient Place to Get All Your Cycle Data

Forget about multiple period tracking apps and health apps. Natural Cycles calculates all your cycle data for you, right in the app. This is invaluable whether you’re trying to find your most fertile days to conceive, or trying to avoid pregnancy. It provides greater accuracy than pure calendar-based methods when trying to identify your fertile window, because it uses your temperature to identify your individual ovulation day, which can vary from person to person and month to month.

The Natural Cycles app also predicts your period start date based on your temperature and cycle data, and projects this out for several months, too, which is super convenient when planning (schedule that beach vacation over ovulation day, not your period!). 

Having cycle data over multiple cycles can also help you identify any potential issues to talk about with your doctor. In the app, find your luteal phase length, follicular phase length, and temperature variations for each. You’ll also see a calendar with your projected red days, green days, and period days. Log your symptoms throughout the month for an even more complete view, and Natural Cycles will prompt you that you may experience your typical symptoms when it’s that time of your cycle.

5. All Stages: Birth Control, TTC, & Postpartum

The Natural Cycles app has several “modes” to tailor your experience: Birth Control, Plan Pregnancy, Follow Pregnancy, and Postpartum. This makes it a great tool for all of life’s stages.

Prevent Pregnancy with Natural Cycles Birth Control

Natural Cycles provides greater accuracy than pure calendar-based methods when trying to identify your fertile window, because it uses your temperature to identify your individual ovulation day, which can vary from person to person and month to month. This data is used in the Birth Control mode to prevent pregnancy, by abstaining from sex on your fertile days, or using protection.

Use Natural Cycles When TTC

When trying to conceive, Natural Cycles can help increase your chances of conception by helping pinpoint your most fertile days for each cycle. This helps you time sex for the highest chances of getting pregnant. Research shows that couples using Natural Cycles get pregnant in and average of 3 cycles.

Following Pregnancy with NC

Once you’re pregnant, Natural Cycles can monitor your pregnancy, providing useful information about the development of your baby and how your body’s changing. You can track baby’s movements, morning sickness, and your emotions in the app. Natural Cycles will even predict your due date, since it uses your actual ovulation/conception day from the app data!

Postpartum Support

NC Postpartum can be used if you recently gave birth and would like some support during your recovery. This mode guides you through the recovery from childbirth with resources tailored to you. It can help identify once you ovulate again after giving birth. 

Whether you’re TTC, pregnant, postpartum, or looking for a better way to track your cycles, Natural Cycles can help. If you’re ready to switch to Natural Cycles, use code MERRITT15 for 15% off an annual plan plus a free thermometer!

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I would never recommend anything I wouldn’t personally use, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!

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Why Men Need to Take Prenatal Vitamins When TTC

Prenatal Vitamins are a must for anyone TTC, pregnant, postpartum, or lactating. But did you know that men need to take prenatal vitamins when TTC, too? Taking a high-quality multivitamin can support pregnancy outcomes by improving sperm quality.  Read on for which nutrients are needed and why they’re important, plus why Needed Men’s Multi is my top pick. 

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You Might Need to Add These 3 Prenatal Nutrients

Did you know that 95% of moms are nutrient deficient? Before, during, and after pregnancy are very demanding times on the body. After all, you’re growing and sustaining another human! Unfortunately, the combination of modern diet and depleted soil makes it nearly impossible to get all your nutrients from diet alone. You can get a significant boost from a high-quality prenatal vitamin, but it’s likely you’ll need to add to it! These are the three key nutrients you may need to add to your prenatal vitamin.

*This article should not be construed as medical advice, and cannot replace the guidance of your qualified health professional.* 

prenatal vitamins

Key Prenatal Nutrients to Add to Your Vitamin

If you read my post, 8 Nutrients to Look for in a Prenatal Vitamin, you’re already off to a solid start! These nutrients are likely already in your prenatal vitamin. However, they may be low dosage for your needs, and you may need to supplement! Here’s what to look for, how to know when to add them, and why they’re important.  

Sometimes a Prenatal Vitamin Isn’t Enough

Vitamin D Needs Vary from Person to Person

Vitamin D is a critical nutrient to support your immune system, and studies show that maintaining Vitamin D levels in pregnancy can reduce the risk of preterm birth. The optimal blood level for Vitamin D is at least 40ng/mL. You may have seen 20ng/mL as the cutoff for “normal,” but this is meant to prevent rickets, a severe bone disease, not reach optimal health!  To reach 40ng/mL, most people need to supplement with at least 4000IU per day, and prenatal vitamins typically fall short. Get your blood level tested before supplementing, and follow up to see your levels rise. You don’t want to take too much Vitamin D3, either. An oil-based form of Vitamin D3 seems to work best, because Vitamin D3 is fat soluble. My favorite is MaryRuth Organics Megadose Vitamin D3 Liquid Drops.

needed prenatal vitamins

Choline Supports Baby’s Brain Development

Choline supports baby’s brain development. Most prenatal vitamins contain very low levels of choline, much less than mamas need. Unless you’re eating eggs every day, you likely need to add a choline supplement to hit 350mg daily. You can easily add more choline to your Prenatal Vitamin subscription with Needed Choline.

Iron is Important but Causes GI Discomfort in Some

Iron is needed for a healthy supply of red blood cells, which are needed to carry oxygen to the placenta! But, iron supplements can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. To tailor your dose, opt for a prenatal vitamin without iron, then add it in separately as ferrous bisglycinate, which is easier on the stomach. Needed Prenatal Iron makes it easy to increase your iron levels. Their product page even has a helpful dosage calculator based on your blood ferritin levels! For even better absorption, take your iron apart from meals and with vitamin C. Make sure to test your iron levels (including ferritin) during pregnancy. Too much or too little iron can cause fatigue and other unpleasant symptoms.

If you want to try any product from Needed, code: MERRITT gets you up to 40% off pre-bundled plans, and 25%+ off your first subscription order!

Other Considerations for Pregnancy Supplements

Other Prenatal Nutrients to Consider Pairing with Your Prenatal Vitamin

This is not an exhaustive list of all the nutrients important to pregnancy. In addition to what’s listed here, you may benefit from Omega-3 fish oil, additional calcium and magnesium, collagen, and a probiotic. Check out my other posts for a deeper dive!

Trimester-Specific Nutrients to Add to Your Prenatal Vitamin Now

8 Nutrients to Look for in a Prenatal Vitamin

Why Needed Prenatal Collagen Protein is Superior, My Review

Recommended Reading for Pregnancy Supplements

I highly recommend reading Rebecca Fett’s books It Starts with the Egg, It Starts with the Bump, and Brain Health from Birth, for more details on the science of egg quality and a healthy pregnancy. These books helped inform my prenatal vitamins review, and contain a wealth of information that you probably aren’t getting from your OB.

Third Party Testing for Supplement Purity

Supplements are not FDA-regulated. This means that ingredients labels are often inaccurate, and the products often contain higher levels of heavy metals and other contaminants. Each brand I recommend is Clean Label Project certified, meaning they’ve been third party tested for label accuracy and product purity from contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides. Clean Label Project is an excellent, free resource for checking certain product labels! Check them out. 

Prenatal Vitamins: Capsules, Gummies, and Powder

A philosophy I repeat a lot on my blog is that the best product in the world is useless if you won’t actually use it. When it comes to pregnancy nausea, some people tolerate gummies or powders better than pills. Folate is so critical for preventing certain birth defects, especially early in pregnancy, so it’s important to find a vitamin that you can tolerate. If you’re really struggling, seek out a nutritional counselor. Needed subscriptions include a free, one-time consultation with a nutritionist to get you started.

My Top Prenatal Vitamin Choices

Here are two of my favorite brands that provide the key nutrients needed in prenatal vitamins. For more, check out my article My Honest Prenatal Vitamins Review: The Best Brands.

Needed Prenatal Vitamins Contain Key Nutrients at Needed Dosages

Needed prenatal vitamins contain optimal forms of vitamins for better absorption, and their dosages are based on research of real pregnant women’s nutritional needs. Try the Starter Plan to bundle your Prenatal with an Omega-3, which is important for egg quality and preventing preterm birth, among other benefits! Read more about Omega-3s in my post, Trimester-Specific Nutrients to Add to Your Prenatal Vitamin Now.

Use this link and code: MERRITT for up to 40% off pre-bundled plans or 25%+ off your first subscription order! 

Perelel Prenatal Vitamins Are a Well-Rounded Option

Perelel is an OB/GYN-founded supplement company that makes it easy to get comprehensive prenatal nutrition, with “Packs” tailored to the nutritional needs of each stage! The Conception Support Pack aims to help prepare the body for pregnancy, providing extra folate, COQ10, and Omega-3 fish oil. The 1st Trimester pack contains extra B6 to help keep nausea at bay, the 2nd Trimester pack contains extra calcium and magnesium, and the 3rd Trimester pack adds calcium, magnesium and a probiotic. What’s unique about these packs is that they are literally little packets containing multiple pills —  no pill case needed!

Try Perelel Multivitamin Packs with my link and code: MERRITT15 for 15% off!

prenatal vitamins

Whether you’re TTC, pregnant, postpartum, or just looking for supportive supplements, I hope you found this prenatal vitamins review helpful. Don’t forget to use my links and codes for special discounts!

To try Needed, code: MERRITT gets you up to 40% off pre-bundled plans, and 25%+ off your first subscription order!

Or try Perelel Multivitamin Packs with my link and code: MERRITT15 for 15% off!

Dive in to radically better nutrition!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I would never recommend anything I wouldn’t personally use, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!

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