Magnesium during pregnancy

Magnesium is a vital mineral. It has various functions in the body and is important for normal muscle function and the nervous system, among other things. This also holds true for pregnant women, who must ensure an adequate magnesium supply for both themselves and their unborn child. In certain situations, an additional intake of magnesium as a dietary supplement may be necessary during pregnancy.

Magnesium during pregnancy at a glance

• With 300 mg of magnesium per day, the requirement for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not higher than for women who are not pregnant.
• Magnesium is important not only for the mother-to-be, but also for the healthy development of the baby.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women can usually absorb enough magnesium with a balanced diet.
• Pregnant women can be prescribed a magnesium supplement if they suffer from deficiency symptoms or preeclampsia.
• Since too much magnesium can cause side effects, an overdose of the mineral should be avoided at all costs.

How high is the magnesium requirement during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

In the past, pregnant women were given 310 to 350 milligrams, depending on their age, and breastfeeding women even 390 milligrams of magnesium per day. In 2021, however, the DGE (German Nutrition Society) revised the recommended intake levels.

Since then, it has recommended only 300 milligrams of magnesium daily for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding, due to insufficient data. This corresponds to the regular daily requirement of adult women. Unlike some other nutrients like iron, the current data situation shows that in the case of magnesium, an increased intake is therefore not necessary.

Why is magnesium important during pregnancy?

An adequate magnesium intake is essential for life. The mineral is involved in the activity of more than 600 enzymes. It has numerous functions and contributes, for example:

• supporting normal functioning of the nervous system
• maintaining healthy bones and teeth
• ensuring proper muscle function
• enabling normal energy metabolism
• contributing to healthy cell division

However, magnesium is indispensable not only for the maternal body, but also for the healthy development of the unborn baby, including supporting brain development. Although women do not have an increased need for magnesium during pregnancy, they should therefore pay particular attention to getting enough of this essential nutrient.

How can the magnesium requirement be met during pregnancy?

Magnesium is mainly found in numerous plant foods. Nuts and seeds as well as wholegrains and legumes are particularly rich in magnesium. Animal foods also contain magnesium. However, they generally contain less magnesium than many plant-based sources. An adequate magnesium supply is usually achieved through the regular consumption of magnesium-rich foods, both during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

To meet the needs of a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, for example, the following are sufficient:

• 100 grams of oatmeal with 200 grams of banana and 30 grams of almonds,
• 100 grams of white beans with 200 grams of Swiss chard, or
• 150 grams of brown rice with 150 grams of sole.

Should pregnant women take magnesium supplements?

In principle, pregnant women can usually meet their magnesium requirements through their diet. The additional intake of a magnesium supplement is therefore often not necessary. In certain situations, however, things can be different. If, for example, symptoms of a magnesium deficiency occur, a dietary supplement can help to alleviate them.

How does a magnesium deficiency manifest itself during pregnancy?

The symptoms of magnesium deficiency are the same in pregnant and breastfeeding women as in the general population. A typical early sign is calf cramps, which can occur especially at night.

Other possible deficiency symptoms are, for example:

• Muscle spasms in other areas of the body
• Feeling of weakness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Concentration problems
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

How can a magnesium deficiency be diagnosed?

Symptoms such as fatigue and headaches can, of course, have various other causes in addition to a magnesium deficiency. For this reason, it is best for pregnant women to talk to their gynaecologist before taking a magnesium supplement. If necessary, measuring the magnesium level in the blood can also be helpful in identifying the cause of the symptoms.

Does magnesium help with premature labour?

In cases of premature labour, gynaecologists sometimes prescribe magnesium alongside rest, either taken orally or administered via infusion. The additional magnesium is supposed to help relax the uterus again and avoid a possible premature birth. However, whether this actually works remains controversial and has not been clearly proven.

Does magnesium help with preeclampsia?

Also known as pregnancy poisoning, preeclampsia can occur during pregnancy and shortly after delivery. The consequences of the condition include high blood pressure and elevated protein levels in the urine. In severe cases, preeclampsia can be life-threatening for both the mother and the unborn child.

To prevent seizures associated with severe preeclampsia, high doses of magnesium sulfate are often administered. Unlike the treatment of preterm labour, the benefits of magnesium sulfate in this case are well documented by scientific studies.

Is too much magnesium harmful during pregnancy?

Just as too little magnesium can be harmful during pregnancy, so can too much. Possible side effects of an overdose include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In addition, skin redness and high blood pressure can occasionally occur. However, if magnesium intake comes only from food, such side effects are highly unlikely.

Side effects usually only occur when pregnant women take magnesium supplements in excessive doses. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a daily supplemental magnesium intake of up to 250 milligrams is considered safe.

To be on the safe side, a higher dose should only be taken during pregnancy after consulting a doctor.

Important to know

If you are not a medical specialist and have complaints, specific health conditions, or suspect deficiencies, please make sure to consult a doctor to discuss this.