Comparison of Oral Magnesium Supplements with Placebo for Pregnancy-Induced Leg Cramps

Abstract

Background: Magnesium deficiency results in different types of complications in the pregnant females in pre and post delivery phase. This study is planned to check the impact of magnesium supplementation in terms of reduced leg cramps.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of oral magnesium supplements versus placebo for pregnancy-induced leg cramps.

Study Design: Randomized control trial

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Department Unit 1, Lady Willingdon Hospital Lahore from 25^th March 2017 to 30^th September 2017.

Methodology: Two hundred pregnant women were enrolled. All patients were divided in two groups and each group comprised 100 patients. Group A received magnesium bisglycinate chelate (300 mg per day) and group B received placebo. All patients of both groups were followed for effectiveness. At the end of the 4^th week, a detailed history was taken from patients about entirely free from leg cramps i.e. effectiveness.

Results: The mean age was 28.29±5.76 years. Gestational age was 27.74±5.25 weeks. The body mass index was >30 in 141 (70%). Majority of the females 57 (28.5%) have parity 3 while 55 (27.5%) were having parity 2. Overall efficacy was 71 (35.5%) and it was not noted in 129 (64.5%). It was found that efficacy of magnesium was in 45 (45%) and in placebo group 26 (26%) and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Magnesium therapy appears to be effective in the treatment of pregnant induced leg cramps in the general population, but may have a small effect in pregnant women.

Key Word: Leg cramps, Pregnancy, Magnesium therapy