Building and maintaining a healthy immune system before, during, and after pregnancy is very important for both the woman and her baby.
A woman's body undergoes a drastic change during her pregnancy to accommodate a new life and nurture it. And these changes can affect her health.
Pregnant women are at higher risk of getting sick easily because of their weakened immune systems. The cause of immunodeficiency in pregnant women is the natural suppression of the immune system during this phase. The reason behind this is; during pregnancy, the woman's immune system is suppressed so that her partner's sperm, embryo, or fetus is not rejected as a threat.
As a result, the white blood cells, which are the cells of the immune system, lose their capability to fight against the body's enemies, such as infectious diseases and foreign invaders.
How to Identify Weak Immune Defenses During Pregnancy
Some signs of immune defenses during pregnancy being compromised include frequent colds, fatigue, digestive issues, or slow wound healing. These are early indicators that your immune system might need support. Always consult your doctor if you notice persistent symptoms.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Six Essential Tips for Boosting the Immunity System During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the immune system becomes suppressed, making women more vulnerable to infections that can impact both mother and baby. To stay healthy and protect your growing fetus, follow these top tips to strengthen immunity during pregnancy and ensure a safer, healthier pregnancy journey.
Exercise
It is always good to exercise regularly for overall health. If you have a habit of exercising, continue it even during pregnancy with reduced intensity. It not only boosts your immunity but also helps your body prepare for childbirth.
Try a prenatal yoga class or other light-weight workouts, but make sure that whatever exercise program is done is under the guidance of your doctor.
De-Stress
Preventing stress and maintaining a positive attitude is essential for a healthy immune system, especially in cases of immune deficiency in pregnant women. Emotional well-being directly affects immunity, so it's important to find effective ways to reduce stress and support overall health during pregnancy.
Some of the stress busters are meditation, yoga, music, a good book, and laughter. It sounds silly hearing that laughter is one of the stress busters, but laughter can put sickness at bay.
Hand Wash
Hand washing! A golden rule to avoid most health issues. Though everyone knows this, only a few people have a habit of handwashing. It is the most important thing one should opt for to be hygienic.
And during pregnancy, it is even more crucial as it may affect the growing fetus along with the mother. So, wash your hands frequently, which helps to limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. If you can't make it to a sink, use natural hand sanitiser as these will be chemical triclosan-free.
Proper Sleep
Sleep is one of the important determinants of a healthy immune system. Improper sleep patterns and disturbed sleep have been associated with altered immune function and make the body more susceptible to illness.
So, make sure to catch at least 8 hours of undisturbed sleep every day. In case you are facing any difficulty in getting adequate sleep, consult your doctor to bring your sleep cycle back on track.
Prenatal Vitamins
Taking prenatal vitamins during your pregnancy is an excellent practice to ensure that you meet your daily nutritional requirements, which may fall short with your diet.
It is really important to take prenatal vitamins on your doctor's recommendation. Prenatal vitamins can supplement your deficient diet with essential nutrients and help you to get healthy and for your baby's development as well.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of pure filtered water helps to flush out any harmful toxins from the body. Poor hydration can weaken the immune system. Make sure you drink enough water and prevent dehydration. A pregnant woman needs approximately 2.3 liters of fluid per day.
Additional Tips: How to Boost Immunity of a Pregnant Woman
Eat a nutrient-rich diet including fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Avoid processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol.
Practice stress-reducing techniques to support immune defenses during pregnancy.
Ensure sufficient Vitamin C, D, Zinc, and Iron in your meals.
Avoid overexertion and listen to your body.
Get regular prenatal checkups to monitor health parameters.
Many women also turn to community platforms for shared experiences. Popular threads on “how to boost immunity during pregnancy forum” discussions often highlight the importance of nutrition, adequate rest, and mindfulness practices.
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
While strengthening immunity during pregnancy is crucial, it should always be done with the guidance of a healthcare professional. Every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one woman may not suit another. Prioritise your health with conscious lifestyle changes and consistent care for a safe and healthy journey to motherhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pregnant women must deal with more than just morning sickness, backaches, swollen ankles, cravings, and tiredness. Pregnancy can also impair your immune system, making you more vulnerable to diseases like the flu and the common cold.
Oranges, grapefruit, blueberries, apples, and pears are considered beneficial for supporting the immune system.
During pregnancy, your immune system adjusts to protect both you and your baby from illness. This adaptation involves boosting certain aspects of your immune system while inhibiting others, maintaining a delicate balance to prevent infection in the infant without compromising the mother's health.
High dosages of vitamins A, B6, C, D, or E can be risky during pregnancy. It is recommended to avoid supplements containing these vitamins and to be cautious with foods high in vitamin A.
Yes, certain vaccines like the flu shot and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) are recommended during pregnancy to protect both the mother and baby from infections. Consult with your healthcare provider for guidance.
Chronic stress can weaken the immune system during pregnancy, making you more susceptible to illnesses. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and support systems is important for maintaining immune health.
Breastfeeding provides antibodies and nutrients that support the baby's immune system, helping to protect against infections and diseases early in life. It also promotes bonding between mother and baby.