Can You Take Magnesium For Sleep While Pregnant? (Your Expert Guide)

If you're pregnant and struggling with restless nights, you might be wondering if magnesium can safely help you sleep.   

The good news is that magnesium isn’t just safe during pregnancy when taken at the right levels – it’s often needed. From supporting relaxation and healthy sleep to easing leg cramps, magnesium plays an important role in helping both you and your baby stay well.

Is Magnesium Safe During Pregnancy?

Not only is magnesium for sleep safe during pregnancy (when taken at appropriate levels) – it’s often needed. 

Research shows many women in both developed and developing countries don’t meet their magnesium requirements, and this demand rises even higher when pregnant. Low magnesium has been linked to risks like gestational diabetes, preterm labour, and high blood pressure in pregnancy. 

Ensuring you get enough magnesium, through foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, beans or Skin Friend’s magnesium sleep supplements, can support both mum and baby.

Getting The Dosage Right

While it’s important to check with your obstetrician or midwife to get the dosage right for you, it’s generally recommended that pregnant women get around 350 to 400 mg of magnesium per day. 

The exact amount you’ll need depends on your diet and the reason you’re considering taking magnesium for sleep while pregnant – another reason to check in with your healthcare team before adding supplements.

Getting enough magnesium during pregnancy can support your body in many ways:

• Helps promote better sleep quality
• Can ease leg cramps and restless legs
• Supports regular digestion and may relieve constipation
• May reduce headaches and tension
• Plays a role in lowering stress and supporting calmness

In some cases, doctors also use magnesium in higher medical doses to manage conditions like preeclampsia, though this is different from regular supplementation.

Note: Too much magnesium can cause side effects like diarrhea, stomach cramps, or nausea, so sticking to safe amounts is key.

What Studies Say About Magnesium for Sleep in Pregnancy

Clinical trials with thousands of women show that magnesium supplements for sleep during pregnancy are generally safe. While they don’t seem to prevent major issues like pre-eclampsia, some studies suggest benefits, such as fewer hospitalisations, healthier Apgar scores, and improved birth outcomes.

Studies also suggest it can help with blood sugar balance, menstrual cramps, and sleep-disrupting pregnancy-related leg cramps. These findings highlight how magnesium affects both the body and the nervous system. 

Since magnesium helps regulate brain chemicals involved in relaxation, its benefits for stress relief, cramp reduction, and overall calmness may also explain why it’s linked to healthier sleep patterns and better rest.

Sleep Well While Pregnant With Magnesium

Magnesium can be a simple way to support your whole body (and baby’s growth) while pregnant – especially if sleep is a challenge. From promoting relaxation and easing common discomforts to contributing to your baby’s health, the benefits are well worth exploring. 

Just remember: safe dosage matters. 

Always check in with your obstetrician or midwife before adding a magnesium supplement, and choose high-quality sources – like our PM Mineral Matrix. With the right approach, magnesium can help you rest easier and feel more balanced throughout your pregnancy.