Posters
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Medical Student
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Medical Education
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Medical Student
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Medical Education
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Medical Education
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Research/Clinical
Abstract
Background: Adequate magnesium balance is essential for normal fetal growth and development. Deficient or excessive magnesium levels have been linked to adverse maternal and neonatal complications, including preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and neonatal respiratory depression. Despite its importance, majority of pregnant women worldwide are estimated to have suboptimal magnesium intake, highlighting a widespread yet underrecognized nutritional concern.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed database was conducted covering studies published between 2016 and 2024. The following key terms were used to retrieve relevant information: "Magnesium and Pregnancy," "Magnesium and Fetal Implications," "Fetal Development and Magnesium," and "Magnesium Excess and Pregnancy." The inclusion criteria involved original research articles, clinical trials, and systematic reviews with an emphasis on maternal-fetal magnesium transfer, implications of magnesium inadequacy on pregnancy and fetal development, and outcomes of pregnancy related complications linked to magnesium. Based on this criterion, our search yielded 13 articles. The information gathered was analyzed to compare common complications of inadequate magnesium balance on the fetus and mother.
Preliminary Results: Magnesium transfer across the placenta is essential for fetal growth and development, with magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) being the preferred compound due to its ability to cross the vasculo-syncytial membrane. Adequate magnesium levels support fetal development by reducing the risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm labor, and metabolic syndromes, as well as providing neuroprotection, though studies on its efficacy in neuroprotection remain conflicting. Insufficient magnesium intake can lead to adverse outcomes, including hypotonia, and IUGR which can precipitate breathing and feeding difficulties at birth. While excessive magnesium balance may induce hypotension, bradycardia, and impaired bone mineralization in the fetus.
Conclusions: The collected information emphasizes the need for maintaining adequate magnesium balance for normal maternal and fetal health. Further studies are also required to determine effective preventative measures to reduce the incidence of long-term complications associated with inadequate magnesium homeostasis.
Recommended Citation
Lanehart, Desiree; Uzoma, Chantal; and Razzaque, Mohammed S., "Maternal-Fetal Dynamics and Implications of Magnesium" (2025). Research Symposium. 55.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/55
Included in
Maternal-Fetal Dynamics and Implications of Magnesium
Background: Adequate magnesium balance is essential for normal fetal growth and development. Deficient or excessive magnesium levels have been linked to adverse maternal and neonatal complications, including preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and neonatal respiratory depression. Despite its importance, majority of pregnant women worldwide are estimated to have suboptimal magnesium intake, highlighting a widespread yet underrecognized nutritional concern.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed database was conducted covering studies published between 2016 and 2024. The following key terms were used to retrieve relevant information: "Magnesium and Pregnancy," "Magnesium and Fetal Implications," "Fetal Development and Magnesium," and "Magnesium Excess and Pregnancy." The inclusion criteria involved original research articles, clinical trials, and systematic reviews with an emphasis on maternal-fetal magnesium transfer, implications of magnesium inadequacy on pregnancy and fetal development, and outcomes of pregnancy related complications linked to magnesium. Based on this criterion, our search yielded 13 articles. The information gathered was analyzed to compare common complications of inadequate magnesium balance on the fetus and mother.
Preliminary Results: Magnesium transfer across the placenta is essential for fetal growth and development, with magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) being the preferred compound due to its ability to cross the vasculo-syncytial membrane. Adequate magnesium levels support fetal development by reducing the risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm labor, and metabolic syndromes, as well as providing neuroprotection, though studies on its efficacy in neuroprotection remain conflicting. Insufficient magnesium intake can lead to adverse outcomes, including hypotonia, and IUGR which can precipitate breathing and feeding difficulties at birth. While excessive magnesium balance may induce hypotension, bradycardia, and impaired bone mineralization in the fetus.
Conclusions: The collected information emphasizes the need for maintaining adequate magnesium balance for normal maternal and fetal health. Further studies are also required to determine effective preventative measures to reduce the incidence of long-term complications associated with inadequate magnesium homeostasis.
