Pregnancy is a transformative journey that changes your body in various ways. During this period, prenatal nutrition becomes very important not only for you but also for your baby’s healthy development.
While most Indian women prioritize iron and calcium, micronutrients such as magnesium during pregnancy are often underestimated. However, the importance of magnesium in pregnancy cannot be ignored.
Unfortunately, most pregnant women experience nutritional deficiencies, so it is crucial to know about magnesium’s function and how to make sure you have enough.
What is Magnesium?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports more than 300 biochemical reactions in your body. Magnesium helps in energy production, muscle contraction, nerve transmission and a steady heartbeat.
Daily Recommeded Magnesium Intake During Pregnancy
As per Indian dietary recommendations, a pregnant woman needs approximately 300-400mg of magnesium per day. Yet many women fall short of this crucial nutrient.
Magnesium Rich Foods in Pregnancy
Certain foods high in magnesium for Indian pregnant women are:
- Green leafy vegetables like fenugreek and spinach
- Whole grains such as brown rice, ragi and bajra.
- Legumes and lentils
- Seeds and Nuts such as pumpkin seeds, sesame and almonds
- Dark Chocolate and Bananas
In addition to eating magnesium-rich foods during pregnancy magnesium-rich foods in pregnancy, the need for magnesium supplements for pregnant women is necessary to meet the body’s increased magnesium demands.
Importance of Magnesium in Pregnancy
Let’s understand why magnesium is important during pregnancy in India-
- Fetal Development- Magnesium helps develop the baby’s bones and teeth and is involved in DNA production.
- Nerve & Muscle health- It helps support muscle and nerve function, lowering the risk of cramps.
- Prevents complications- Sufficient magnesium can prevent preeclampsia, preterm labour and soothe pregnancy cramps.
- Regulates BP and sugar- It keeps blood sugar and blood pressure stable, crucial for avoiding hypertension and gestational diabetes.
- Controls sugar & BP: It maintains blood sugar and blood pressure levels stable, which is important in averting gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
Magnesium Deficiency in Pregnancy
Why does this deficiency occur?
- Low dietary intake of magnesium foods
- Excessive phytates in cereals and legumes inhibit magnesium absorption
- Cultural eating habits, e.g. excessive coffee and tea
Symptoms
- Weak appetite
- Muscles cramp
- Insomnia and Irritability
- Loss of appetite
Magnesium deficiency in pregnancy also causes low birth weight and other complications.
Food vs Supplements: Closing the Nutrient Gap
Although consumption of magnesium rich food in pregnancy is crucial, nutritional intake alone may not be sufficient to meet the daily requirement due to absorption problems and cooking losses. That’s when a magnesium supplement in India is a must.
How much magnesium should a pregnant woman take?
Generally, between 300-400 mg per day, from diet and supplements. Always consult with your physician.
Is it safe?
Yes, but do not take too much magnesium as this may lead to diarrhoea or toxicity.
Magnesium Benefits in Pregnancy
The importance of magnesium in pregnancy goes far beyond just preventing leg cramps. Magnesium is a powerhouse mineral that plays a critical role in nearly every stage of pregnancy. It supports fetal development by helping form strong bones and teeth, assists in protein synthesis, and regulates enzyme activities essential for your baby’s growth.
For mothers, magnesium during pregnancy helps maintain healthy muscle and nerve function, reducing the risk of uncomfortable pregnancy cramps and spasms. It also keeps blood sugar and blood pressure in check, lowering the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, both common concerns in Indian pregnancies.
Moreover, magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system, easing stress, irritability, and promoting better sleep—key aspects for expecting mothers. Its gentle support on digestion also helps reduce constipation, a frequent issue in pregnancy.
How Trimacare Prenatal Supplement Help?
Trimacare pregnancy supplement is particularly formulated for Indian pregnancy nutritional needs. It contains 310 mg of magnesium as magnesium oxide, which is the most bioavailable form of magnesium and can be easily absorbed.
Magnesium in Trimacare pregnancy supplement prevents leg cramps, preeclampsia in the mother and tooth and bone development in the baby. It also leads to healthy nerve and muscle function.
It is enriched with Vitamin B6 and D, which combined with magnesium to support bone health and prevent morning sickness. Therefore, Trimacare is considered among best prenatal vitamins in India for magnesium supplementation.
FAQs
Q1. Is magnesium safe throughout pregnancy in all trimesters?
Yes, magnesium in pregnancy is safe and necessary during all trimesters. It aids in the growth of your baby, prevents preeclampsia and other complications, and maintains your nerves and muscles in good condition. Just adhere to the prescribed dose and consult your doctor.
Q2. Is it sufficient to consume magnesium-rich food?
Although, magnesium-containing foods during pregnancy such as spinach, lentils, nuts and whole grains are important, Indian diets generally lacks magnesium due to cooking losses and poor absorption. Therefore, there is a need for prenatal magnesium for Indian women to fulfil their daily nutritional needs. Here magnesium supplements for pregnant women come into play.
Q3. What are symptoms I could be consuming excessive magnesium?
Extremely high dose (typically due to excessive supplements) can lead to loose stools, nausea, or abdominal cramps. Always take prenatal magnesium for Indian women according to your physician’s recommendation.
Q4. Can Trimacare be taken by vegetarian Indian women?
Yes, Trimacare is a 100% vegetarian pregnancy supplement. It is designed according to the needs of Indian pregnant women. It contains veg omega-3 derived from plant-based sea algae. It does not contain fish oil, making it ideal for women following a vegetarian diet. Trimacare for pregnant women is a full vegetarian formula that fulfils the nutritional requirements of Indian pregnant mothers without compromising on their dietary choices.
Q5. Does taking magnesium during pregnancy reduces cramps and enhance sleep?
Yes, one of the largest benefits of magnesium during pregnancy is that it relaxes muscles and soothes the nervous system. This eases pregnancy cramps and can even help with improved sleep.
Q6. How much magnesium should a pregnant woman take?
According to ICMR, Indian pregnant women need 300-400 mg of magnesium daily. This includes consuming magnesium through diet and supplement. It is important to take a magnesium-rich diet including green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes—along with a reliable magnesium supplement for pregnant women.
You can opt for Trimacare pregnancy supplement. You must consult a doctor to know the right magnesium need for your pregnancy.
A Certified Nutritionist with a rich healthcare background in health journalism, the author has immense experience in curating reader-friendly, engaging, and informative healthcare blogs to empower readers to make informed pregnancy-related decisions.
