Benefits of Magnesium Glycinate in Pregnancy

Magnesium is one of the most important supplements to take during pregnancy since it is one of the most important minerals in the body!  Plants are a great source of magnesium along with almonds, black beans, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate are also good sources to include into your diet during pregnancy along with your supplement of 350 mg of magnesium.

What Depletes Magnesium? 

Processed food, antacids (which we do take during pregnancy), diuretics, caffeine, and increased stress. Because of this, most people need more magnesium which is why I suggest all my clients take magnesium during pregnancy. 

Magnesium as a preventive for gestational diabetes 

With Eden’s Garden Midwifery care, we use magnesium supplements as a preventive for gestational diabetes. Magnesium glycinate can help with stabilizing blood sugar levels which is why its recommended to have 350 mg a day during your pregnancy. Gestational diabetes has become the most common metabolic disorder during pregnancy. The reason why is because pregnancy is an insulin resistance state. Along with a healthy diet and exercise, we use magnesium as a preventive by taking this supplement early on during pregnancy. 

Other reasons why we recommend magnesium during pregnancy:

-               Supports various bodily functions like nerve function, muscle contraction, and bone health. 

-               Regulates blood sugar levels 

-               Regulates blood pressure

-               Reduce fetal growth restriction 

-               Reduce pre-eclampsia

-               Increase birthweight

-               Morning sickness

-               Constipation associated with pregnancy

-               Edema 

-               Headaches

-               Leg cramps, sleepless leg (combination of calcium and magnesium)

-               Depression

Magnesium levels may be low in women who have had eating disorders, or gastrointestinal surgery.

In my practice as a midwife, I have used magnesium with clients who have suffered from depression during pregnancy. We will usually take 500-800 mg of magnesium because magnesium is used in almost every part of the stress response, recovery, and repair system. 

Bonus Tip: Magnesium transports vitamin D through the kidneys where it converts the inactive form of vitamin D into an active form which helps get vitamin D in our body. Even if you're taking vitamin D supplements, it may not be effectively utilized without adequate magnesium levels; essentially, low magnesium makes vitamin D "inactive" and unable to perform its functions properly. (Zittermann, 2013)

Learn more about Vitamin D in Pregnancy on the blog.

WARNING:

If you are experiencing any gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea while taking the supplement, lower your dose or take the supplement every other day. Consult with me if you’re in our care. Some prenatal vitamins already have magnesium, so be sure you’re only taking the total amount of 350 mg unless you have been instructed to take more during pregnancy.

Love always, Your Midwife Faren