Magnesium is a fantastic mineral that provides nourishment during all stages of life, but especially during pregnancy. Minerals are depleted during pregnancy easily because of the body prioritizing the growing baby's needs. There have been many studies showing that low magnesium counts can cause both minor and/or severe complications during pregnancy!
There are multiple studies that have been performed that show that the role of magnesium is not only key for a healthy pregnancy, but for a healthy birth and baby in the future. Find the studies linked in the bottom of this article!
Here are some different pregnancy "side effects" and birth complications that have been studied to be a possible result of low magnesium:
- Muscle cramps
- Painful preterm contractions
- Nausea
- Pre-eclampsia
- Preterm delivery
- Reduction of baby's growth (affecting birth weights)
- Insulin Resistance
- SIDS
- Anxiety and depression both postpartum and during pregnancy
- Some studies showed anxiety in the children of those who were magnesium deficient during pregnancy
Magnesium plays a crucial role in the development of children during pregnancy and for the mother's health! It is extremely important for all pregnant women to make sure their magnesium levels are healthy during pregnancy.
So, what kind of magnesium is good to take? According to quite a bit of research, "Forms of magnesium that dissolve well in liquid are more completely absorbed in the gut than less soluble forms (Magnesium article)". Magnesium Chloride is one of those forms and it is found in my Magnesium Body Butter!
I recommend the use of either Giggles and Dreams, which includes a "kidsafe" blend of essential oils that would be excellent for pregnancy as well or the Gentle Magnesium Body Butter, which has no essential oils but a gentle scent from the herbal essences used. Both have the same quantity of magnesium so the choice is dependent on your comfort levels with essential oils, pregnant or otherwise.
For other sources of magnesium, Magnesium Glycinate and Malate are very gentle, usually absorbed well in most people. Please consult your midwife or OBGYN for more information on if they are right for you!
Smidge, Mitolife, and Jigsaw Health all have some fabulous products for magnesium. I also take Jigsaw Health Electrolyte powder while pregnant. Their adrenal cocktail is good as well. I take Trace Minerals drops every day too!
Please note, in order for you to properly absorb magnesium, your calcium, sodium, and potassium levels need to be addressed too! That's why I take a mineral mix that includes those because it is so key to proper absorption.
This is a very, very limited informational article when there are so many more resources and more knowledgeable people out there! I have linked the research articles below but if you're seeking more information on minerals, please reach out! I have people that I have learned much from that I follow that I can refer you to!
Links:
The Role of Magnesium in Pregnancy and in Fetal Programming of Adult Diseases
Magnesium supplementation in pregnancy
Effect of Pregnancy Magnesium Supplement on Pregnancy Outcomes
Treatment with Magnesium During Pregnancy
Clinical Significance of Low Serum Magnesium
Supplements: