Everyone’s pregnancy is different. I remember being told a million stories about how I was going to feel, what I needed to buy, how my body and brain would change, and oh, just you wait for your perfect birth. Well, it’s really not as simple as that, especially when it comes to symptoms in pregnancy and what the body requires. So, for anyone reading this who is battling with restless legs, morning sickness, sleep issues, risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and more—keep reading.
Miracle Mineral Magnesium
What if I told you there is one thing you can do to help with all these issues? It's safe in pregnancy and easy to use. Too good to be true, right? Meet the miracle mineral: magnesium.
Now, growing a baby is no small feat, and the increased requirements of micronutrients can put a strain on the body. Magnesium is one of the main micronutrients we need to keep on top of. With 20% being lost through the kidneys in pregnancy, it’s even more important to stay on top of it. Magnesium deficiency has been shown in studies to be linked to gestational diabetes, preterm labor, preeclampsia, IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction), restless legs, morning sickness, and sleep issues (1).
Magnesium and Restless Legs and Cramps
Relaxing the muscles is one important job magnesium performs, and during pregnancy, leg cramping, achy muscles, and soreness are common, especially at night. This, in turn, affects your sleep. Researchers have found that magnesium supplementation can significantly reduce leg cramping during pregnancy (2). A recent study has found an association between mineral status and the prevalence of restless leg syndrome. The nutrition status of pregnant women with and without RLS was analysed at 21 weeks gestation. The study showed that women with restless leg syndrome were found to have significantly lower magnesium and zinc levels. This is just another feather in the cap for the importance of good mineral status during pregnancy (3). Magnesium spray can be directly applied where it is bothering you on the body to reduce these symptoms quickly. Rest, recharge, and repair; it also contains essential oils in the spray bottle, making it the perfect combination to combat restless legs.
Magnesium and Sleep
We all want a good night’s sleep while pregnant before the madness of no newborn sleep begins, but most supplements and aids are not recommended in pregnancy. However, magnesium is. Magnesium oil, salt, and magnesium supplements are safe, and magnesium oil is a great alternative to oral supplements, which can cause loose stools.
Studies have supported that magnesium in pregnancy improves sleep quality, increases sleep efficiency, and reduces periodic limb movement. Massaging magnesium oil before bed can help promote a restful night’s sleep and can be used once the baby arrives to help you get back to sleep after you have settled your baby.
Magnesium and Morning Sickness
A lot is still not known about why we get morning sickness, but we do know that as hormones such as progesterone increase significantly during early pregnancy, magnesium levels decrease. Restoring magnesium may help. In "The Magnesium Miracle" by Dr. Carolyn Dean, it states, "fluctuating hormones affect our magnesium levels." Many women find that by restoring their magnesium levels through diet and magnesium supplements, their morning sickness symptoms can subdue or subside. Magnesium also supports healthy blood sugar levels, which is essential when managing sickness and nausea in pregnancy. Spraying magnesium spray onto the body can help relieve these symptoms.
Magnesium oil spray
Is after and a great way to target areas of the body that need support
As two mothers and a nutritionist, we set up this company to support as many people as possible in gaining the benefits of magnesium oil spray, and reducing tricky pregnancy symptoms is certainly a big one we wanted to help with. Adding topical magnesium to your daily routine will help your health and, in turn, your baby's.
Love Hannah, Dip ION, mBANTxx
References
01 Dalton LM, Ní Fhloinn DM, & Gaydadzhieva GT (2016). Magnesium in pregnancy. Nutr Rev. 74(9):549-57. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuw018 Accessed January 1, 2018
02 Supakatisant C & Phupong V (2012). Oral magnesium for relief in pregnancy-induced leg cramps: a randomised controlled trial. Maternal & Child Nutrition. Volume 11, Issue, Pages 139–145
04 Ibrahim S & Folvary-Schaefer N. (2015). Neurological Illness in Pregnancy: Principles and Practice. John Wiley & Sons LTD. Hoboken NJ
great read