Is magnesium safe during the first trimester of pregnancy?

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Last updated: February 9, 2025View editorial policy

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From the FDA Drug Label

If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Magnesium Safety During the First Trimester of Pregnancy

  • The safety of magnesium during the first trimester of pregnancy is a topic of interest, with several studies investigating its effects on pregnancy outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • A randomized controlled trial published in 2017 found that magnesium supplementation during pregnancy may reduce fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia, as well as increase birth weight 1.
  • However, a Cochrane review published in 2014 found that there is not enough high-quality evidence to show that dietary magnesium supplementation during pregnancy is beneficial 2.
  • Another Cochrane review published in 2000 found that magnesium supplementation during pregnancy may be associated with a lower incidence of preterm birth, low birthweight, and small for gestational age infants, but the quality of the evidence was generally poor 3.
  • A review published in 2001 found that magnesium supplementation during pregnancy may be associated with a lower frequency of preterm birth, low birthweight, and small for gestational age infants, but the results were not consistent across all trials 4.
  • A study published in 1994 suggested that magnesium supplementation during pregnancy may be beneficial for women at high risk of gestosis and premature labor, but the evidence was limited 5.

Key Findings

  • Magnesium supplementation during pregnancy may be associated with improved pregnancy outcomes, including reduced fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia, and increased birth weight 1.
  • However, the quality of the evidence is generally poor, and more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings 2, 3, 4.
  • Magnesium supplementation during pregnancy may be beneficial for women at high risk of gestosis and premature labor, but more research is needed to confirm this 5.

Magnesium Supplementation

  • The optimal dose and timing of magnesium supplementation during pregnancy are not well established, and more research is needed to determine the best approach 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Magnesium supplementation during pregnancy may be associated with fewer complications, including preterm labor and preeclampsia, but the evidence is not consistent across all trials 1, 2, 3, 4.

References

Research

Magnesium supplementation in pregnancy.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2014

Research

Magnesium supplementation in pregnancy.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2000

Research

Magnesium supplementation in pregnancy.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2001

Research

Role of magnesium in pregnancy.

Panminerva medica, 1994

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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