Abstract

*Dr. A. Mary Chandrika, Dr. V. S. Kalai Selvi

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Magnesium is an essential mineral in pregnancy that helps to build and repair the body's tissues. Magnesium deficiency in pregnancy commonly occurs because of inadequate and low intake of magnesium. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include insomnia, muscle twitching, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness and poor memory. These early symptoms of magnesium deficiency in pregnancy usually remain undiagnosed which leads to severe deficiency, complicating pregnancy. A minimal decrease in magnesium level in pregnancy leads to severe muscle cramps and morning sickness whereas severe magnesium deficiency may lead to pre-eclampsia, poor foetal growth, and even infant mortality. Aim: To study the significance of serum magnesium in pregnancy. Materials And Methods: This case-control study included 60 cases of pregnant women in first, second and third trimester and 20 age matched non-pregnant women as control group attending outpatient department of Obstetrics And Gynaecology in Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. After obtaining informed consent from the subjects, venous blood samples were collected by standard aseptic techniques. Serum was separated and magnesium level was estimated. Data was statistically analysed by using SPSS version 18. Results: There was a fall in serum magnesium level in the pregnant women as compared to the non-pregnant controls (p < 0.0001). This decreased serum magnesium level had manifested with severe muscle cramps in about 16% of pregnant women. Conclusion: Hypomagnesaemia is prevalent in pregnancy. Dietary supplementation of magnesium in the form of sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, spinach, swiss chard, sunflower seeds, fish, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and legumes helps to avoid magnesium deficiency, thereby preventing the later complications of magnesium deficiency like pre-eclampsia.