Pregnancy impacts a woman’s immunity system adversely. During pregnancy, a woman’s Immune system is naturally under-functioning or suppressed so that her body does not reject the fetus or embryo, considering it as a foreign object. As a result, the immune cells lose a part of their capability to protect the body against infections and ailments. It thus becomes important to understand some tips to boost the immune system during pregnancy and take necessary measures for the same.
In This Article
- Eat Immune Boosting Foods
- Junk Food To Be Avoided
- Pop Up Supplements
- Engage In Medium Intensity Exercises
- De-stress: Enjoy a Peaceful Slumber
Eat Immune Boosting Foods
It is imperative to maintain a balanced and healthy diet during pregnancy. There has to be the right proportion of green vegetables, citrus fruits, meats, oils, nuts, and seeds. These foods can be a rich source of minerals, fatty acids, and vitamins. A high protein diet is recommended in all meals.
Zinc, selenium, copper, iron, vitamins B-6, A, E, and C are very important for the optimum functioning of the immune system. Consumption of colored vegetables and fruits, whole grains, fish, and low-fat dairy products is the best during pregnancy. Citrus fruits, seafood, and fortified cereals are nutrient-dense foods, and the inclusion of these in everyday diet would promote optimum immune function.
Snacking on nuts during pregnancy is also an excellent idea. Nuts are packed with a variety of health benefits. Almonds prove to be the best of nuts during this phase. Also, organic versions of food items such as pesticides and toxins, reduce immune system functioning.
Junk Food To Be Avoided
The Immune system is already weak during pregnancy. Hence, it is not worth making the system work harder by the consumption of junk food.
Regular intake of refined sugars, packaged, and processed foods make it very difficult for the body to maintain a strong immune system. Consumption of pizzas, burgers, chips, sodas, and other junk snacks to please the taste buds should strictly be refrained from during pregnancy. It is best to stick to a routine balanced diet.
One should also refrain from the consumption of caffeine and alcohol during this period. The intake of junk food will not only adversely affect the mother’s immunity system but also impact the immunity of the newborn.
Pop Up Supplements
An experienced medical practitioner is the best person to suggest relevant prenatal supplements during pregnancy. A pregnant woman requires extra nourishment and has to ensure the intake of the right vitamins and minerals in the correct proportion.
It is essential to have a proper dosage of probiotics, Vitamin D, and Zinc, and hence supplements get mandatory during this span. The routine meals and food may not be able to satisfy these requirements perfectly. Hence, supplements are the best way to boost and upkeep immunity during pregnancy.
Engage In Medium Intensity Exercises
An exercise schedule has to be worked upon when pregnant. Exercise not only boosts immunity but also maintains fitness and prepares a woman’s body for childbirth. The more active and physically fit a female is during pregnancy, the less susceptible she will be to cold and other daily life ailments.
Regular exercise results in the appropriate weight gain. It also reduces symptomatic pains, decreases the chances of gestational diabetes, and well-controlled blood pressure, and improves the immune system.
Sleep deprivation is also very common during pregnancy. An effective exercise plan helps in regulating sleep and can prove to be very beneficial during pregnancy.
De-stress: Enjoy a Peaceful Slumber
Pregnancy can be very stressful early on. Coping up with the symptoms may not be very easy. Meditation, yoga, light music, reading up an interesting book, or taking a warm, comforting massage are excellent ways of distressing one’s body and mind. Hence, a pregnant woman will have to carry a positive attitude to ensure that stress does not take a toll on her immunity system.
It is a phase of emotional transition and hence may be very taxing. Hence it is important to go to bed early, take short naps, and keep oneself refreshed.
Proper sleep at night can also boost the immune system. Stress may result in loss of sleep, and sleep deprivation can hamper the immunity system. Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep during pregnancy ensures that the immune system is primed.
Hope the above tips to boost the immune system during pregnancy is helpful. Wish you a happy pregnancy!
