Having magnesium during pregnancy is crucial because it helps in reducing the risks of preterm labor and other assisted complications in pregnancy. Magnesium helps maintain the body’s blood sugar level and assists in building healthy teeth and bones (1). It also helps regulate the levels of cholesterol and maintain a steady heartbeat (2). Studies have shown that the deficiency of magnesium during pregnancy might increase the risks of preeclampsia, infant mortality, or congenital disabilities in the fetus (3). Read on to know more about the importance of magnesium and other related information in this post.
Why Is Magnesium Important During Pregnancy?
Other than the primary reasons mentioned above, there are more ways in which magnesium works for you and your baby.
Effects Of Magnesium On The Baby
Research studies have revealed that intake of magnesium during pregnancy will either show a positive benefit or no benefit to the baby.
Magnesium supplementation shows a beneficial effect on the growth of the fetus (8).
Oral magnesium supplementation improves fetal circulation (9).
Newborns who had better sleep and wake cycles came from mothers who had taken sufficient magnesium during pregnancy.
How Much Magnesium Do You Need During Pregnancy?
The recommended daily allowance of magnesium during pregnancy is 350 to 360 milligrams. If you are between 19 and 30 years, you require 350mg, and if you are 31 years and above, you need 360mg (10). Vomiting, nausea, and food aversions during pregnancy may make you deficient in magnesium. Therefore, supplementation may be necessary apart from including magnesium-rich foods in your diet.
Magnesium-Rich Foods For Pregnant Women
To supplement your body with the recommended magnesium dosage, you should eat a healthy diet. Many plant and animal sources rich in magnesium include leafy greens (spinach), whole grains, seeds, legumes, breakfast cereals, foods containing dietary fiber, and fortified foods. Processed foods are a less optimal choice. Also, the magnesium in water alters from 1mg to 120mg per liter. The following table gives you an idea of what foods can be included as a part of magnesium-rich diet. Source Weave your menu plan around these food items to make sure you are getting enough magnesium for you and your baby!
Do You Need Magnesium Supplements?
It is very tempting to just pop in a few supplements instead of watching what we eat. But is magnesium supplement a good idea? Anything in excess can harm your body. You should take magnesium supplements only if your diet isn’t giving you enough magnesium. But never self-medicate. Always consult your doctor and take the supplements only if they recommend. In fact, many doctors prescribe them as a part of the prenatal vitamin package.
Are There Any Side Effects To Magnesium Supplements?
The chance of consuming too much magnesium through food is slim. But when you use supplements, you run the risk of magnesium overdose. Here are some side effects that may come with too much magnesium through supplements.
1. Diarrhea and dehydration
Magnesium supplements can cause intestinal irritation in some pregnant women. This can lead to diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and appetite loss. Untreated diarrhea can even lead to dehydration – a serious concern during pregnancy. If you are on magnesium supplements and are experiencing diarrhea for two to three days, talk to your doctor.
2. Stomach upset
The last thing you need during pregnancy is nausea and vomiting – morning sickness provides enough of that! But magnesium intake can lead to digestive issues that mimic morning sickness. These symptoms subside within hours of treatment but if they persist, seek medical advice.
3. Medication interactions
Magnesium supplements are known to interact with certain medications. If you are on antibiotics, blood pressure medication, calcium channel blockers, diabetes medication, etc., talk to your doctor before you start the supplements. Always review all medications and supplements you are taking during pregnancy, with your doctor.
4. Overdose:
If you experience any of the following symptoms after consuming magnesium supplements, head to the ER. Magnesium overdose can be fatal if not treated on time. Symptoms to look out for:
Persistent vomiting Irregular heart rate Difficulty breathing Muscle weakness Low blood pressure Confusion
During pregnancy, your body needs that little extra care and nourishment. But you don’t always need to grab OTC medication and supplements to meet these needs. Try your best to eat healthy and keep in touch with your doctor. Moving further, let’s understand magnesium salts, and how they are useful in pregnancy.
Magnesium Sulfate During Pregnancy
Magnesium sulfate, a magnesium salt, is prescribed to prevent premature birth and decrease uterine tone.
What are its functions?
Magnesium sulfate is available in two forms – white powder for oral intake, and solution form for intravenous and intramuscular injections. Oral suspension is usually given for treating constipation and cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). It has a laxative effect. It is, therefore, useful for bowel cleansing in the case of diagnostic procedures, and in cases of poisoning. The intravenous or intramuscular administration is prescribed for lowering blood pressure and dilating blood vessels. It has a diuretic property, and therefore, helps excrete the fluids from the body. It also lowers the uterine tone in pregnancy. Magnesium intravenous drip therapy is prescribed for the following conditions in pregnancy:
Increased uterine tone Hypertension Preeclampsia associated with seizures Swelling Thrombosis To induce sedative effect Magnesium deficiency
Beware:
Magnesium sulfate is not advisable during the first trimester. Also, there is no proper evidence showing that it is completely safe during pregnancy. It can only be taken upon doctor’s prescription.
Are there any side effects?
Magnesium therapy is only used for a short period of three to seven days. If it is a long-term treatment, it may accumulate in your body causing respiratory failure and hypoxia in the fetus. It may also subject calcium to a process of leaching from the fetal bone tissue causing fractures in the newborn during labor. You should stop taking it before labor (14).
Magnesium Citrate During Pregnancy
This is another salt of magnesium. It is FDA approved and falls under category C, which means there are not enough studies available to put it in a different category.
It is a saline laxative that improves the bowel movements, and also an osmotic laxative which means it retains water in the stools.
It is also prescribed to patients undergoing colonoscopy or other surgeries.
You should consult your doctor before using it as any medication during pregnancy, and it can only be used under doctor’s approval.
The US National Institutes of Health advises not to take it for a longer period without getting approval from the doctor (10).
