Is taking vitamins a MUST?

[Artechim]

I didn't take any while pregnant and still don't now I am BF. It is proven that folate lowers the risk of spinal defects, but I didn't know I was preg until 6 weeks so it was already on the fringe for prevention. I can't take pills at the best of times and couldn't stand the smell of them with morning sickness. I did eat a bit of marmite (better than vegemite for B group vitamins).

I agree with the point about iodine deficiency, make sure you get the iodised salt at the supermarket.

ETA, didn't know of the link between folate and lower risk of placental abruption