Magnesium and Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
During pregnancy, the need for magnesium increases significantly. The growth of the fetus requires extra magnesium. Due to hormonal changes, there is increased renal excretion.
It has been shown that women with a healthy magnesium status are less likely to develop preeclampsia. Magnesium can also help prevent miscarriage.
Children born to women with a healthy magnesium status during pregnancy often have higher birth weights.
Tip for women who want to have a water birth: Add some magnesium to the bathwater during labor. Research has shown that women responded well to this; they found labor less painful.
Magnesium is responsible for the vitamin and mineral balance.
A deficiency in magnesium can lead to the following conditions: increased risk of postnatal depression, leg cramps, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure with reduced blood flow to the uterus, or premature labor.
* In Australia, women with preeclampsia are injected with magnesium to counteract the poisoning.
* In Egypt, pregnant women experiencing an asthma attack are nebulized with magnesium. This ensures that the pregnant woman does not need to take chemical medications, which is beneficial for both the unborn child and the mother.
