Magnesium for pregnancy: Is it safe?
Congratulations on your pregnancy! It’s very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy, and it can be tricky to know what’s best. For example, which vitamins and minerals do you need? What about magnesium? This article tells you all you need to know about magnesium for pregnancy: is it safe?
This article includes:
- What is magnesium?
- Is magnesium safe during pregnancy?
- Can I take magnesium while pregnant?
- What are the benefits of magnesium during pregnancy?
- Is there magnesium in prenatal vitamins?
- What are the signs of low magnesium in pregnancy?
- Staying healthy during pregnancy
What is magnesium?
Magnesium is a type of mineral which we gain from eating specific foods. Magnesium is responsible for supporting muscle and nerve function in the body. It also helps to boost energy levels, so if you’re feeling more tired than normal, it could be magnesium.
It is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional before starting to take supplements. This is because too much of a vitamin or mineral may have other effects. This is the case for everyone, not just pregnant women.
Everybody needs magnesium in their body. Leafy greens, seeds and nuts are labelled as magnesium-rich foods. Magnesium is essential and supports several functions relating to mood, energy production and physical movements of the body.
Seek professional advice if you believe you may have a magnesium deficiency. A doctor can provide you with advice on magnesium supplementation during pregnancy.
Is magnesium safe during pregnancy?
So magnesium for pregnancy: is it safe?
Yes, magnesium is safe during pregnancy. In fact, you actually need it! A doctor will be able to inform you of how much magnesium supplement you should take, if any. Your suggested magnesium-dose may depend on a range of factors, including age and diet.
It’s not uncommon for a doctor to suggest taking a magnesium supplement for a certain time of your pregnancy. Then, after a while, they may suggest that you no longer need to take the supplement. Throughout your pregnancy, you will be closely monitored to ensure both you and your baby are safe.
Magnesium can lead to more positive pregnancy outcomes through a reduced risk of some complications. These can include a reduced risk of preterm labor and low birth weight.
Can I take magnesium while pregnant?
The amount of magnesium intake you require during pregnancy varies based on your gestational age. You can chat with a healthcare professional about it. If you are not getting enough, they may provide you with a magnesium supplement during pregnancy.
Most women need between 350 – 400 milligrams of magnesium daily during pregnancy. Many can meet this requirement with their typical diet without needing magnesium supplementation. You will also need to maintain a higher level of magnesium while breastfeeding if that’s what you choose.
Typically, non-pregnant women need around 310 – 320 milligrams of magnesium daily, so there is an increased need for magnesium while pregnant.
Always check with a professional before taking a new supplement, as you may be taking too much.
Due to pregnancy hormones, your magnesium levels can fluctuate. It’s important to have a good idea of how much magnesium you are having. If you are unsure, speak to your doctor. Too much magnesium can have other effects.
What are the benefits of magnesium during pregnancy?
Magnesium during pregnancy can provide you with many benefits as long as it is taken in the correct amounts.
Supports sleep
We’re sure that you’re already feeling pretty tired by now, and it’s a common first-trimester symptom. Magnesium works with receptors in the body to help you feel more relaxed. In turn, this can help you to have a more restful sleep.
Other things that can support sleep during pregnancy is lying with a pillow between your legs and pregnancy yoga.
Bone support
Magnesium doesn’t just help to look after your bones, it also supports your baby’s bone growth. During pregnancy, your baby grows from smaller than a poppy seed! So anything you can do to promote their healthy growth is a good idea!
Improved mood
Many vitamins and minerals can help to contribute towards improved mood. For example, those with adequate magnesium have been found to have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Lowers risk of muscle cramps
It’s common during pregnancy to experience cramping in the body. Many women find these cramps occur in the legs, and they can feel pretty tight! Magnesium may help to lower the chances of pregnancy-induced leg cramps occurring.
May lower the risk of preeclampsia
Preeclampsia usually occurs during the second half of the pregnancy or at birth. Some pregnant women can be at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia.
If it occurs in one pregnancy, you would be under consultant care if you decide to have another baby. Some signs of preeclampsia are high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
Preeclampsia carries risks for both mum and baby, so it’s important that professionals work quickly to reduce the risks. Most women suffer no long-term problems after cases of preeclampsia.
Is there magnesium in prenatal vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins contain a range of vitamins that can help you to stay healthier during pregnancy. Some will contain magnesium, while others may not. You may find it useful to speak to a professional about which prenatal vitamin would be best for you.
It is recommended that you take folic acid during pregnancy. Folic acid helps to reduce the risks of some pregnancy complications and birth defects, such as neural tube defects. After 12 weeks, you may choose not to take folic acid anymore, as it can no longer prevent neural tube defects.
It is also recommended that you choose a prenatal vitamin with calcium in it. Typically, a woman should have 700 milligrams of calcium daily, which a typical diet should meet. During pregnancy, the amount you need increases to around 1000 milligrams per day. This is to help your baby grow healthily.
Vitamin D should also be considered. This vitamin helps support the immune system, reduces tiredness and can positively impact your mood.
Make sure that you consult a doctor before taking vitamins and minerals during pregnancy. They can provide testing and advice to ensure that it is the right choice for you and your baby. Too much of certain vitamins can cause side effects and other pregnancy complications.
There are many options for magnesium supplementation, but the most common is oral magnesium supplementation. Other options are magnesium salts and magnesium oil. This essential mineral also comes in different types.
- Magnesium sulfate
- Magnesium citrate
- Magnesium oxide
- Magnesium Glycinate
- Magnesium malate and more
What are the signs of low magnesium in pregnancy?
It is quite rare to have a magnesium deficiency, although it can happen. If you are concerned about your magnesium levels, you must seek advice. A doctor can tell you the best magnesium supplement for your needs.
A doctor can conduct testing to check your levels of magnesium. If a magnesium deficiency is detected, they will suggest options for magnesium supplements. A simple blood test can inform doctors of how much magnesium you have.
You will be invited for regular blood tests and scans throughout your pregnancy. It is very important that you attend these appointments. They are planned to check everything is going well and identify any signs of potential problems.
Signs of magnesium deficiency can include:
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
Staying healthy during pregnancy
It’s important to take extra care of your health while pregnant. After all, you are supporting your baby and helping them grow. There are many ways that you can promote a healthy pregnancy, such as reducing stress, gently exercising and more. Here are some of our tips.
Balanced diet
A balanced diet is a great way to stay healthy. It can also help to reduce the risks of your baby developing health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Having a balanced diet means prioritising each food group, which all have benefits. You don’t need to cut out all your favourite chocolates, instead, have them in small portions and not too often.
There are, however, some foods you should avoid in the first month of pregnancy. It is important that you learn all about these foods, to avoid any complications.
Gentle exercise
Regularly completing gentle exercise can help to improve your mental health, as well as your physical health. During pregnancy, it’s important not to do anything too strenuous. Many women start walking more often or attending pregnancy yoga.
Both of these options are fantastic ways to feel more motivated and make friends. The mental, physical and social benefits of these exercises will be great for you and your pregnancy.
Rest
During pregnancy, you’re likely to feel more tired than normal. With a baby on the way, you’ll need to try and rest as much as you can. Sleeping during pregnancy can be quite tough, and you’ll need to find a comfortable position. Make sure that you listen to your body and take breaks if you need to.
We hope this article has been useful on magnesium for pregnancy. Please consult a medical professional before taking any vitamins or minerals during pregnancy. They can give you the best advice based on accurate testing. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!
Learn the Dos and Donts
When you are pregnant, there are certain things that are great for your baby’s health, and others that should be avoided altogether. You should learrn all about what is and isn’t safe during your pregnancy.
One thing that you will need to check is your medication, some medications, such as some antidepressants, can cause pregnancy complications. What about medications for colds and flus? Can you take NyQuil while pregnant? What about forms of back pain relief? Can you use icy hot whilst pregnant?
Certain activities, such as going to a sauna, are also considered unsafe for your baby.
By learning what is and isn’t safe whilst you are pregnant, you will reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.
Hey there, I’m Abigail!
In 2022, I graduated with a First Class Degree in Marketing and since then, I have been working as a blogger and Marketing Assistant. Before heading to university, I also achieved a BTEC in Children’s Play, Learning and Development.
I have been blogging for over four years and have covered many topics during this time. My focus has been on pregnancy, babies, sleep and baby name ideas.
I am passionate about learning new things and helping others. I hope that you find my blogs useful and informative. See you in the next article!