The pregnancy journey can include several challenges, as the entire body is experiencing changes. It can be hard to figure out how to improve discomforts or unwanted ailments, but sometimes certain symptoms can be alleviated by simply adding magnesium to your daily routine. Everything from morning sickness to muscle cramps can be aided with this magical mineral.

Magic of Magnesium

Magnesium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. It is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions and is essential for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, regulating blood sugar levels, and supporting a healthy immune system. It is required for regulation of body temperature, nucleic acid and protein synthesis and in maintaining nerve and muscle cell electrical potentials. Most women have below the recommended intake of magnesium prior to pregnancy, which makes it even more important to supplement as soon as a positive pregnancy test is discovered.

During pregnancy, the demand for magnesium increases significantly. This is because magnesium is essential for the development of the baby's bones and teeth, as well as for the proper functioning of the mother's muscles and nerves. Supplementation during pregnancy may also reduce fetal growth restriction and pre‐eclampsia, and increase birthweight in a positive manner.

Adding magnesium to your daily routine can help:

• Headaches
• Ligament Pain
• Anxiety
• Muscle Aches and Pains
• High blood pressure

Morning Sickness

Magnesium helps to calm the stomach and ease nausea, reducing the severity and frequency of morning sickness.

Muscle Cramps

Nighttime leg cramps can be relaxed with oral and topical magnesium.

Insomnia

As pregnancy progresses, it can become increasingly challenging to find a comfortable sleeping position. Magnesium has a calming effect on the body and can help promote better sleep, ensuring an easier morning wake up.

Constipation

Hormonal changes and the pressure of the growing uterus on the intestines can trigger constipation. Magnesium acts as a natural laxative, softening the stool and promoting regular bowel movements.

Swollen Ankles and Feet

Edema, or swelling of the ankles and feet, is a common pregnancy symptom. Magnesium helps regulate fluid balance in the body and can reduce swelling, providing relief and comfort.

Ideally magnesium is consumed through food, but a great Epsom salt bath, high-quality supplement, and/or magnesium lotion can also be used.

Foods with a high magnesium content include:

• Green leafy vegetables (think spinach, kale, and cabbage)
• Other green veggies (broccoli, green beans, artichoke)
• Eggs
• Mushrooms
• Bran Cereal
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Cow’s Milk
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes
• Some seafood, like salmon and mackerel
• Dark chocolate
• Tofu

Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, incorporating magnesium into your pregnancy wellness routine may help alleviate some of the common discomforts associated with this beautiful journey.