Can I take magnesium while pregnant?

Can I take magnesium while pregnant?

Yes. Magnesium is considered safe during pregnancy when taken within recommended amounts, and many healthcare providers actively encourage it. This mineral supports hundreds of biological processes that become even more important when you're growing another human being.

The short version: your body's magnesium needs go up during pregnancy. The RDA climbs to 350-400 mg per day. Many pregnant people fall short of this through diet alone, especially given that modern food processing strips magnesium from grains and produce.

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Common pregnancy symptoms magnesium may help with

Magnesium supplementation has been studied in the context of several pregnancy-related complaints. Leg cramps, insomnia, constipation, and muscle tension are among the most frequently cited. 

Safety considerations

Stick to the tolerable upper intake level of 350 mg from supplements per day unless your doctor says otherwise. Higher doses can cause digestive upset, and in very rare situations, extremely high magnesium levels can affect heart rhythm. If you have kidney problems, check with your provider before supplementing, since kidneys are responsible for clearing excess magnesium.

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A note from WeNatal on magnesium supplementation during pregnancy

WeNatal Rest + Digest Magnesium was designed to complement WeNatal for Her and can be an important addition to your supplement routine if you're dealing with cramps and sleep disruptions. It uses magnesium glycinate for optimal absorption without the GI discomfort that other forms can cause. 

RELATED: The ultimate preconception guide: What to do when you’re ready to get pregnant 

References

Makrides M, et al. (2014). Magnesium supplementation in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000937.pub2

Supakatisant C, Phupong V. Oral magnesium for relief in pregnancy-induced leg cramps: a randomised controlled trial. Matern Child Nutr. 2015;11(2):139-145. doi:10.1111/j.1740-8709.2012.00440.x