Magnesium is a vital nutrient that our bodies cannot generate; therefore, sufficient intake of this mineral through food and supplements is necessary. While dietary sources are plentiful, data indicates that approximately 44% of pregnant women in India had magnesium levels less than the normal level.

Benefits for the Mother

Muscle and Nerve Function

Magnesium plays an important role in nerve and muscle function. Magnesium is required for uterus (womb) contraction (tightening) and relaxation. Deficiency can potentially disrupt these processes.

Relief of Pregnancy - Related Symptoms

Magnesium can provide relief from common pregnancy discomforts such as night muscle cramps and headaches. Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) and mood swings due to hormonal changes are often experienced by pregnant women. Magnesium bis-glycinate can be particularly helpful in addressing these challenges.

Energy Production

Magnesium is a mineral crucial for turning food into energy. This energy is vitally important for a fetus to grow and develop properly and also helps the pregnant mother meet their increased energy needs during pregnancy.

Blood Pressure Regulation

Magnesium helps keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. This is very important when you're pregnant because it can help prevent a dangerous condition called pre-eclampsia, which is characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Reduced Risk of Gestational Diabetes

Magnesium helps your body use insulin properly and process sugar (glucose). Getting enough magnesium during pregnancy can lower your chances of developing gestational diabetes, which is high blood sugar that appears during pregnancy.

Hydration Support

Magnesium, a crucial electrolyte, assists the body in maintaining correct fluid levels. This fluid balance is vital at all stages of life, but particularly after childbirth (postpartum). After giving birth, the body has increased demands, and magnesium contributes to meeting those demands and potentially aiding in breast milk production.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10–15% of mothers, manifesting as negative thoughts, mood swings, and crying spells. Magnesium demonstrably reduces the risk of developing this condition according to compelling research.

Benefits for the Fetus

Reduced Risk of Fetal Growth Restriction

Magnesium is essential for fetal development, guiding the formation of strong bones, healthy muscles, and vital organs. Sufficient magnesium intake during pregnancy guarantees proper growth and optimal development for the baby.

Low Birth Weight

Taking magnesium supplements during pregnancy may lower the chances of experiencing certain pregnancy problems, such as low birth weight, where the baby is smaller than expected at birth due to not growing properly in the womb.

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5590399/#abstract1

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14576766/