Milk of Magnesia During Pregnancy – Safety, Benefits and Risks

What Is Milk of Magnesia?

This is osmotic This osmotic remedy works by drawing water into the intestines and softening the stool, making bowel movements easy. The original form of milk of magnesia usually helps a person produce a bowel movement within a timeframe of half an hour to six hours. Milk of magnesia may also help with sunburn and acne, though the actual proof is significantly lacking.

Often, pregnant women face constipation due to a surge in hormones in progesterone, which is responsible for the relaxation of muscles. This causes the intestinal muscles to slow down as well, thereby delaying the process of digestion. Excess iron derived from the supplements consumed also contributes to the same. Milk of Magnesia is a reliable friend that relieves expecting mothers of gut disturbances. Hence, call your doctor if you feel uneasy or have any unusual symptoms after consuming milk of magnesia. However, it is to be noted that this is a temporary solution (3).

Is Milk of Magnesia Safe During Pregnancy?

Are you anxious about the risks of taking milk of magnesia during pregnancy? To your relief, generally, it is safe to consume Milk of Magnesia during pregnancy. That being said, it is extremely important to double-check with your gynaecologist. The laxative can interact with the medications you’re currently using. For those who have diets with little magnesium or any kidney diseases, consumption of this laxative is unhealthy.

Ensure you inform the doctor of any specific allergies, as the same can be found in the milk of magnesia ingredient list. It can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications or increase the risk of experiencing side effects. If there is no effect even after 6 hours of taking it, inform the doctor. The delay in reaction could be due to an underlying health implication it has caused. These should be more than good reasons to get an approving nod from the doctor before hurriedly buying it from a drugstore (1).

Safe Milk of Magnesia for Pregnant Women – Types and Dosage

Knowing the safe consumption limits is imperative now that you know it is safe. 

• Milk of magnesia is found in tablet, liquid, and chewable forms. 
• It can be purchased from drug stores in regular strength or concentrated liquid.
• The chewable form requires chewing before swallowing, and the concentrated one needs water. 
• Certain variants need to be consumed with food while others do without it.
• How often can you take magnesia milk during pregnancy? Typically, it is taken in a single dose at night. 
• Some brands recommend one to four tablespoons of the liquid version of milk of magnesia and an 8-ounce glass of water per dose (8). 
• Follow the recommended dosage in the package unless specifically mentioned.
• Prescribed dosage, if any, varies based on the age and severity of the problem.
• People should not take the laxative for more than seven days. In case the problem persists, talk to your doctor (2).
• Regardless of your consumption pattern, ensure that you do not breach the maximum daily amount in a day. In case of any difficulty, seek immediate medical attention.

Benefits of Taking Milk of Magnesia in Pregnancy

Is milk of magnesia good for pregnant women? If yes, how beneficial is the milk of magnesia while pregnant for constipation?

• This poses less risk than a stimulant laxative (5).
• It is known to relieve constipation within six hours.
• It soothes heartburn symptoms and eases a sour stomach when used as an antacid.

Side Effects of Milk of Magnesia While Pregnant

There is no empirical evidence stating the degree of safety of milk of magnesia for pregnant women. Despite getting a yes from the doc, a few commonly observed downsides are:

• It triggers side effects like diarrhoea, cramping, nausea, bloating, and excessive thirst. It is a must to stay hydrated to prevent these side effects from taking a toll on your health (8).
• An imbalance in electrolyte levels is observed in excessive intake (6).
• Disturbances in heart rhythm are seen. A slow heartbeat is the most frequently seen one. 
• Difficulty faced in daily bowel movements to a stage of excessive dependence on laxatives. 
• If you rely too heavily on the milk of magnesia, you may experience dehydration— which, in turn, triggers uterine muscle contractions.
• Skin flushing, drowsiness, and light-headedness are a few other side effects.

What Are the Complications of Having Milk of Magnesia When Pregnant?

It should not be consumed in dosages exceeding the maximum daily amount. An overdose can lead to severe health implications and associated health risks. Regular use can lead to complications such as magnesium poisoning or hypermagnesemia (9). Those who have kidney disease or diabetes face the risk of electrolyte imbalance. A small amount of it can enter the breastmilk, with other unknown effects.

Do Milk of Magnesia Cause Congenital Disabilities?

FDA does not recommend the intake of milk for magnesia during pregnancy. It is not known to cause any congenital disability or other risks to the fetus. Prolonged usage of the same is not recommended as it can lead to extreme dehydration (6).

When to Consult Your Doctor?

A doctor’s help is always beneficial during pregnancy. Do not hesitate to call them even at the slightest symptom trigger.

• When having an upset stomach or trouble with bodily functions, seek the advice of a doctor before buying this OVC remedy.
• Consult a doctor when there is no indication of bowel movements even after 6 hours of consumption.
• On feeling any allergies or unusual symptoms, do not hesitate to rush.
• Please ensure there is no overdosage, as it can impair your health.
• Get the necessary advice before proceeding to detect blood in the stool or not getting relief after continuous consumption.

FAQs

1. Are there any alternatives to Milk of Magnesia for managing constipation and heartburn during pregnancy?

Yes, there are several alternatives. Dietary changes such as increasing fibre intake, staying hydrated, and regular exercise can be effective for constipation. Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, and elevating the head during sleep may help with heartburn. Over-the-counter antacids and stool softeners, considered safe for pregnancy, can also be options (4).

2. Can Milk of Magnesia affect the absorption of prenatal vitamins?

Milk of Magnesia can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients and medications, including prenatal vitamins. To minimise any potential interaction, it is advisable to take Milk of Magnesia and prenatal vitamins at different times of the day. Consult your doctor for personalised advice (7).

3. How does the use of Milk of Magnesia in the first, second and third trimesters vary?

Milk of Magnesia in the first trimester is generally safe for occasional use to manage constipation and heartburn. Still, it’s essential to consult a doctor due to early pregnancy sensitivities. It can be used effectively in the second trimester as the body adjusts. In the third trimester, while Milk of Magnesia remains a viable option, careful monitoring is needed to avoid potential issues with electrolyte balance and to address any additional discomfort from the growing uterus.

Pregnancy is a joyous occasion, and the mother’s and baby’s health is paramount. It has its share of discomforts, so we are here for you. Doctors, dieticians, and those who love you ensure you always feel healthy and comfortable. Now that you know about the relation between milk of magnesia and pregnancy in detail, what else could trouble you?

References/Resources:

1. Milk of Magnesia; https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/2bfbcde6-b063-4cc9-acea-d80d305c578f.pdf

2. Laxatives: OTC Products for Constipation; American Academy of Family Physicians; https://familydoctor.org/laxatives-otc-products-for-constipation/

3. Ask an expert: What’s safe to take during pregnancy?; Providence; https://blog.providence.org/toyourhealthblogs/ask-an-expert-what-s-safe-to-take-during-pregnancy

4. Rungsiprakarn. P, Laopaiboon. M, Sangkomkamhang. U. S, et al.; Interventions for treating constipation in pregnancy; Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; https://www.cochrane.org/CD011448/PREG_interventions-treating-constipation-pregnancy

5. Bishop. L; 5 Tips to Relieve Pregnancy Constipation; The University of New Mexico; https://unmhealth.org/stories/2023/06/5-tips-relieve-pregnancy-consumption.html

6. Trottier. M, Erebara. A, Bozzo. P; Treating constipation during pregnancy; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3418980/

7. Ramas. K; Let’s Talk About Constipation During Pregnancy; MemorialCare; https://www.memorialcare.org/blog/lets-talk-about-constipation-during-pregnancy

8. Treatment of Constipation in Older Adults; American Academy of Family Physicians; https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/1201/p2277.html

9. Cascella. M, Vaqar. S; Hypermagnesemia; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549811/

Also Read:

Propranolol in Pregnancy
Almond Milk when Pregnancy
Fibromyalgia while Pregnant
Omeprazole during Pregnancy

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