Why is it necessary to supplement magnesium for pregnant women?

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Magnesium plays an important role in bone formation, in the metabolism of proteins and fatty acids, from which adequate magnesium supplementation will help pregnant women get rid of depression, fatigue or obesity during pregnancy.

1. Effect of Magnesium

Magnesium (Mg) is necessary for the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, vitamin C, some B vitamins; helps to regulate the nervous state and motor function of the muscle system; plays an important role in converting blood sugar into energy; Helps burn fat for energy. Thus helping to fight depression, fatigue and obesity; Dilates blood vessels, so it helps to keep the cardiovascular system healthy and helps prevent cardiovascular events.
Magnesium for pregnant women has a very special role, which is to prevent eclampsia, thereby preventing premature birth and reducing obstetric deaths. In addition, Mg also alleviates symptoms of premenstrual syndrome; keep teeth and bones healthy; prevention of calcium deposition into kidney stones; relieve indigestion and constipation; Mg has the role of an anti-stress, anti-aging and anti-cancer sedative.
The human body contains about 20g of Mg mainly in the skeletal and muscular system. Every day, Mg is always lost in sweat and urine. The need for magnesium supplementation daily for adults is about 420mg, in pregnant and lactating women need 400mg/day. Magnesium plays a similar role to insulin in helping to maintain stable blood glucose levels. Magnesium works synergistically with Calcium to help strengthen bones and teeth. Magnesium also helps regulate cholesterol levels and heart rhythm disorders. Both physical and mental stress increase the need for Magnesium.
Severe magnesium deficiency during pregnancy can lead to preeclampsia (high blood pressure and seizures), premature birth, neonatal death, and birth defects.

Magnesium đóng vai trò tương tự insulin giúp duy trì nồng độ glucose máu ổn định
Magnesium đóng vai trò tương tự insulin giúp duy trì nồng độ glucose máu ổn định

2. Why is Magnesium important in pregnancy?

In addition to the main reasons mentioned above, Magnesium has many other effects on pregnant women and fetuses:
Synergistic effect with Calcium: Both minerals work very well together. While Magnesium does muscle relaxation, calcium stimulates muscle contraction. The right concentration of Magnesium can keep the uterine muscles from contracting until the 35th week of pregnancy.
Reduce the risk of osteoporosis: The right concentration of Magnesium and Calcium helps to slow down bone breakdown.
Relieve Cramps: Cramps are a very common symptom during pregnancy. Magnesium helps relieve cramps, reduces the intensity of Braxton Hicks contractions and contributes to the treatment of constipation.
Stress relief: Magnesium is the best choice to relieve stress and insomnia, which are quite common symptoms during pregnancy. Doctors often prescribe magnesium as a separate supplement in addition to vitamins.
Assist in childbirth: This mineral helps stabilize blood pressure and improve pain threshold, making the birth process more gentle.
Relieve Nausea: Magnesium can treat nausea, which is one of the most common symptoms of morning sickness. Headache treatment: Magnesium supplementation can reduce migraine symptoms during pregnancy. Magnesium helps dilate blood vessels in the brain, preventing lactic acidosis, which can cause tension and migraine headaches.
Reduce the risk of cerebral palsy: According to a study published in Australia, supplementing with magnesium sulfate to women at risk of preterm birth can protect the fetus from cerebral palsy.

3. Effects of Magnesium on the fetus

Some studies show that magnesium supplementation during pregnancy can lead to a number of benefits and disadvantages for the fetus:
Magnesium supplements have a very beneficial effect on fetal development. Oral administration of magnesium improves fetal circulation. Newborns have better sleep cycles if their mothers are adequately supplemented with magnesium during pregnancy.

Bổ sung Magnesium có ảnh hưởng rất tốt đến sự phát triển của bào thai
Bổ sung Magnesium có ảnh hưởng rất tốt đến sự phát triển của bào thai

4. How much Magnesium is needed during pregnancy?

The recommended daily magnesium intake during pregnancy is between 350-360mg. If pregnant women are from 19-30 years old, the dose should be 350mg, and if they are 31 years old or older, the dose should be 360mg. Vomiting, nausea, and food intolerance during pregnancy can lead to magnesium deficiency. Therefore, supplementation is necessary alongside magnesium-rich foods in the pregnancy diet.
Instead of adding a certain substance, we should observe the daily diet. But are magnesium supplements a good idea?
Anything taken in excess can be harmful to the body. Pregnant women should only take magnesium supplements if the diet does not provide enough magnesium. Absolutely do not self-medicate. Always consult your doctor and only take supplements when directed by your doctor. In fact, many doctors prescribe Magnesium as part of their prenatal vitamins.

Trắc nghiệm: Bạn có hiểu đúng về dấu hiệu mang thai sớm?

Các dấu hiệu mang thai sớm không phải chỉ mỗi trễ kinh mà còn có rất nhiều dấu hiệu khác như xuất huyết âm đạo, ngực căng tức,… Điểm xem bạn biết được bao nhiêu dấu hiệu mang thai sớm thông qua bài trắc nghiệm này nhé!

5. Magnesium-rich foods for pregnant women

To provide the body with the recommended amount of Magnesium, pregnant women should have a suitable diet. Many plants and animals, green vegetables, whole grains, beans, breakfast cereals, high-fiber foods, and dietary supplements, are all rich in magnesium. Do not choose processed foods... In addition, Magnesium in water ranges from 1-120mg/L. Foods high in magnesium such as: almonds, dry roasted cashews, cereals, finely chopped wheat, 1 cup soy milk, peanuts, black beans, peanut butter, whole wheat bread, potatoes , soybeans, broccoli, beef, apples, bananas,...
Make a menu that includes these foods to ensure the right magnesium supplement for pregnant women and babies

Thực phẩm giàu magie
Thực phẩm giàu magie

6. Can Magnesium Supplements Have Side Effects?

It is less likely to use too much magnesium in food during pregnancy. But once a magnesium supplement is taken, there is a risk of a magnesium overdose. Here are some side effects of magnesium supplements :
Diarrhea and dehydration Magnesium supplements can stimulate bowel movements in some pregnant women, which in turn lead to diarrhea, abdominal cramps and decreased abdominal pain. delicious. If diarrhea is not treated, it can lead to dehydration – a serious symptom of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman is taking magnesium supplements and has diarrhea for 2-3 days, she should notify her doctor immediately.
Stomach pain Common symptoms during pregnancy are nausea and vomiting – ie morning sickness. Magnesium supplementation can lead to a condition similar to morning sickness. Symptoms should subside within a few hours of treatment, but if they persist, notify your doctor immediately.
Drug interactions Magnesium supplements may interact with certain medications. If you are taking antibiotics, blood pressure medications, calcium channel blockers, diabetes medications, etc., you should consult your doctor before taking magnesium supplements.
Overdose If a pregnant woman has any of the following symptoms after taking magnesium supplements, go to the emergency room right away. Magnesium overdose can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Symptoms to watch out for:
Continuous vomiting Heart rhythm disturbances Shortness of breath Muscle weakness Low blood pressure Drowsiness During pregnancy, the mother's body needs care and nourishment. But it's not always necessary to take medications and supplements to meet this need. Eat right and stay in touch with your doctor. Besides, understand well about Magnesium salts, and the benefits when used during pregnancy.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-up, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package helps to facilitate the process. birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

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