Magnesium is an important nutrient in pregnancy because it helps to combat the tiredness and heartburn that are common during pregnancy, in addition to helping to prevent uterine contractions ahead of time.
Magnesium can be found naturally in foods such as chestnuts and flaxseed, or in the form of supplements, such as magnesium sulfate, which should only be taken according to the guidance of the obstetrician.
Benefits of magnesium in pregnancy
The main benefits of magnesium in pregnancy are:
- Control of muscle cramps; Prevention of uterine contractions and premature birth; Prevention of pre-eclampsia; Favor the growth and development of the fetus; Protection of the nervous system of the fetus; Combat tiredness; Combat heartburn.
Magnesium is especially important for pregnant women with pre-eclampsia or risk of premature birth, and should be taken in supplement form according to medical advice.
Magnesium supplements
The most widely used magnesium supplement during pregnancy is magnesium sulfate, which is indicated mainly for women between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation at risk of premature birth. Sometimes the doctor may recommend its use until 35 weeks, but it is important to stop taking it before 36 weeks of gestation, so that the uterus has time to contract again effectively, facilitating normal delivery or reducing the risk of bleeding during cesarean section. See how to use magnesium sulfate.
Other widely used supplements are the Tablets of Magnesia Bisurada or Milk of Magnesia, which is also called Magnesium hydroxide, as they are important mainly for the treatment of heartburn in pregnancy. However, these supplements should only be taken according to medical advice, as excess magnesium can impair uterine contractions at the time of delivery.
Milk of magnesia
Milk of magnesia is made up of magnesium hydroxide and can be recommended by the obstetrician in case of constipation or heartburn, since it has laxative and anti-acid properties.
It is important that milk of magnesia is used as directed by the obstetrician to avoid discomfort for the pregnant woman and diarrhea, for example. Learn more about milk of magnesia.
Magnesium-rich foods
In addition to using the supplements indicated by the doctor the pregnant woman can also eat food with magnesium. The main sources of magnesium in the diet are:
- Oil fruits, such as chestnuts, peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts; Seeds, such as sunflower, pumpkin, flax seeds; Fruits, such as bananas, avocados, plums; Cereals, such as brown rice, oats, wheat germ; Legumes such as beans, peas, soybeans; Artichokes, spinach, chard, salmon, dark chocolate.
A varied and balanced diet offers an adequate amount of magnesium in pregnancy, which is 350-360 mg per day. Find out which foods are high in magnesium.
