Magnesium Deficiency and Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a time of great joy, but along with this comes many big changes in our body, and an increased requirement for micronutrients to support both the mother and the growing fetus. One such micronutrient is magnesium. Magnesium supports a healthy pregnancy in various ways. Studies suggest links to magnesium deficiency with gestational diabetes, preterm labor, preeclampsia, and IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction). 8 The fetus and the mother both require magnesium, plus there is a 20% loss of magnesium excreted through the kidneys during pregnancy. 9 Therefore, it is important that pregnant women receive adequate magnesium. Some of the biggest symptoms pregnant women tend to experience include morning sickness, leg cramps, and difficulty sleeping, all of which can be associated with magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium and Morning Sickness
Magnesium plays an important role in early pregnancy. 10 Restoring our magnesium levels during this time can help with morning sickness. Although the etiology of ‘morning sickness’ (nausea and vomiting during pregnancy) is not yet fully understood, we do know that as hormones such as progesterone increase significantly during early pregnancy, magnesium levels decrease. Increased levels of progesterone and estrogen can contribute to nausea and vomiting, also known as morning sickness. According to Dr Carolyn Dean, Author of The Magnesium Miracle, 11 fluctuating hormones affect our magnesium levels. Many women find that by restoring their magnesium levels through diet and supplementation, morning sickness symptoms can subdue or subside. Health blogger Mommypotamus uses magnesium for morning sickness. She states,
When it comes to morning sickness, the important thing to know is that magnesium plays a crucial role in balancing cortisol, which is the primary hormone that influences blood sugar. Blood sugar swings (particularly dips) are thought to be one of the main causes of pregnancy nausea, so doctors and midwives often recommend approaches that support stable blood sugar.
Magnesium and Leg Cramps
Magnesium is a known muscle relaxer. One of magnesium’s top five general functions is to relax muscles. 12 During pregnancy, mineral deficiencies can lead to an increase in leg cramping, which for some can get severe, especially at night. Researchers have found that magnesium supplementation can significantly reduce leg cramping during pregnancy. 13 Topical magnesium lotion, massaged directly into the leg muscles before bed can help with nighttime muscle cramping. Magnesium oil is more concentrated than lotion, and can help with more severe cramping.
Magnesium and Sleep During Pregnancy
Sleep duration and quality changes when a woman becomes pregnant. As the baby grows, sleep can become more and more of a challenge. There are many over the counter sleep aids, however, most are not safe for pregnant women to take. Topical magnesium is a safe alternative to help ease pregnant women ease into sleep. Magnesium for pregnancy improves sleep quality, reduces periodic limb movement, and increases sleep efficiency. 14 Therefore, taking time each night to massage some magnesium lotion all over before bed, can really help with sleep difficulties.
According to The Wellness Mama,
The best way to supplement with magnesium, in my opinion, is by using it on the skin. This is not only the safest way, since the body will only use what is needed, but the most effective.
Unlike internal doses of magnesium, topical magnesium does not have to pass through the digestive system and kidneys and can more quickly enter the blood and tissues of the body.
I have experimented with a variety of magnesium supplements over the years and now stick exclusively to topical magnesium spray because I found it to be the most effective (and cost effective!).
Why Ancient Minerals Topical Magnesium is Amazing for Pregnancy Symptoms
Ancient Minerals magnesium is the “Gold Standard” for topical magnesium.
- Ancient Minerals products are both safe and effective for pregnancy and beyond.
- Ancient Minerals lotion contains both shea butter and coconut oil, often used by pregnant women to help with moisturizing and stretch mark prevention.
- Ancient Minerals topical magnesium bypasses digestion, increasing magnesium levels utilizing absorption by the skin!
- Many women find that Ancient Minerals lotion can help with morning sickness.
- Ancient Minerals lotion is great right before bed, to help with sleep, and night time muscle cramping.
- Ancient Minerals bath flakes can help pregnant women to relax and wind down, taking pressure and weight off the muscles and joints, and allowing for the body to restore and rejuvenate, all the while soaking in the magnesium.
About the Author:
Kathryn is a functional nutritional therapist, author, editor, and mama of two boys. She enjoys spending her free time out in nature-hiking and fishing. You can find her at www.primalmusings.com and her book “Forties on Fire” can be found on Amazon.