Magnesium During Pregnancy
If you have ever experienced pregnancy, it’s unsurprising to hear that it’s taxing on the body- its essentialy a 9 month workout! The human body is using many more calories and reserves to support the new growing fetus and the birthing person themselves. Often our body uses its store of minerals like magnesium and this is what causes leg cramps, twitching muscles, restless legs, clenching, and even tingling in the body.
In my 10 years as a doula, I don’t think I’ve ever had a client who didn’t experience any of these symptoms.
A mineral that relaxes the neurons and can quell these symptoms is magnesium. There are many minerals that have a role in proper neuron function, such as potassium calcium and sodium. But magnesium is by far the most prominent.
In terms of consuming a greater amount of magnesium I am a big supporter of using magnesium supplements such as magnesium bisglycinate or magnesium threonate. However our bodies can only absorb so much at a time and such high doses often cause a laxidative effect. And you should always double check with your pregnancy care provider before adding supplements to your routine.
Instead, we can consume foods that are higher in minerals to help bulk up our consumption of these helpful minerals.
Understandably, it’s difficult to keep up on the healthiest foods to consume, especially when the first trimester can be wrot with nausea. But I will give some examples that you can fit into your diet!
Spinach and swiss chard
Pumpkin seeds and almonds
Lima beans and brown rice
Avocados
Salmon and tuna fillets
Figs and bananas
Dark chocolate
It can feel difficult to get everything into your diet when you are pregnant. Especially during your first trimester when everything makes you nauseous and the third trimester when it feels like a single bite of food fills your up. Small snacks throughout the day can help make sure that you are getting the nutrients you need, without making you feel sick.