Is it necessary to take pre-natal vitamins?

Yes: Prenatal vitamins contain a very important b vitamin called folate, or folic acid. Folate has been shown to prevent "spina bifida, " or spinal cord defects, in the developing baby. It is crucial to take folate, or a good prenatal vitamin, for at least 3 months before you get pregnant!

Helpful if pregnant: If you are pregnant or might become pregnant then prenatal vitamins have been shown to reduce the risk of certain birth defects like neural tube defects. Recent research shows they may reduce risk of autism.They also benefit mom's health.If your diet is exceptionally healthy not as crucial.See http://sfari.Org/news-and-opinion/in-brief/2011/clinical-research-prenatal-vitamins-lower-risk-of-autism.