Pregnancy is a life-changing phase in a woman’s life. It elevates excitement and anticipation about a new life and new chapter. But on the other hand, pregnancy brings diverse physiological, psychological, biochemical, and anatomical changes. Many such changes help create a favorable environment for the fetus but can also jeopardize the mother’s health and well-being. And when the mother is unhealthy, risks for the fetus also increase. Studies show women are prone to several physical and psychological health issues during pregnancy. Compromised immunity is one of the side effects. It further triggers a chain of reactions and increases risks for several health challenges, including infections, miscarriage, premature birth, and other severe healthcare complications.
Since pregnancy is a bumpy ride, these challenges are unavoidable. But one can prevent or lower risks. Healthy lifestyle changes, nutritious diet, better sleep, regular physical movement, nutritional supplements, and routine healthcare checkups can minimize risks.
Explore the following sections for some preventive care and immunity-boosting hacks and tips.
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Maintain coordination with your doctor
Sickness and other health issues are common during pregnancy. But consultation can minimize risks and complications and improve your defense system. Thus do not overlook even mild symptoms. Preventive measures and treatments can help remedy the condition at early stages. Sometimes, even minor changes in your diet, lifestyle, habits, or multivitamin supplements can remedy the underlying problem. For instance, zinc deficiency is one of the leading causes of compromised immunity in pregnant women. And with pills or zinc drops, you can restore chemical equilibrium and strengthen your immune system. But you cannot identify what precautions, diet changes, or medications can help retract your health. Your gynecologist can give better suggestions based on your symptoms and blood test reports.
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Sleep well
Sleep is crucial for everyone, irrespective of their health and well-being status. Sleep and rest are crucial during pregnancy when women are vulnerable to complex healthcare challenges. Sleep improves their stamina and defense against healthcare challenges. Otherwise, studies show that sleep deprivation and restlessness can compromise the immune system and increase the risk for high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and infections. Sleep-deprived women are also prone to experiencing longer, painful, and preterm labor. Sleep deprivation also disturbs hormonal equilibrium and causes intense and frequent mood swings. That is why pregnant women also experience psychological issues. For instance, stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are regular in nearly a quarter of pregnant women. Thus ensure sufficient rest during this topsy-turvy phase.
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Eat a rich diet and take supplements
A nutritional diet helps the body replenish essential micronutrients, such as minerals, vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids. Our body and brain need these nutrients for optimal functioning. As for the immune system, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, selenium, zinc, selenium, and protein are vital. You can get these vitamins and minerals from several sources. Vegetables, fresh fruits, and poultry are rich in these nutrients. If you cannot afford diet variation, take supplements. Supplements are a convenient and cost-effective alternative to fulfill nutritional requirements during pregnancy. You can purchase multivitamin supplements, where just one tablet, pill, or capsule can nourish all essential vitamins. Vitamin supplements also come in liquid form with varied fruit flavors, offering greater convenience.
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Increase water intake
Water is the chief constituent of the human body. Almost 55 to 60 percent of the human body is water. Water carries nutrients across the body to nourish cells, tissues, muscles, and organs, repair damage, and strengthen immunity. Water is also crucial for better functioning of the immune system. It acts as a communication pathway for immune cells to transport sensory signals and detect and kill bacteria, germs, and pathogens. A well-hydrated body can eliminate toxins and pathogens, maintain osmosis balance, and keep germs and bacteria in our gut, mouth, and elsewhere in check. The lymphatic system also relies on body fluid to dispose of waste, pathogens, abnormal and dead cells and circulate disease-fighting white blood cells. The lymphatic system works in coordination with the immune system to fight foreign bodies and improve the body’s defense. In essence, increase your water intake to boost your immune system. Consume over two liters of water or ask your doctor for accurate recommendations.
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Exercise regularly
Pregnancy is no excuse to skip physical activity. Physical workout is even more essential to maintain good health during pregnancy. Studies highlight that women who practice a physically active lifestyle throughout pregnancy are at a lower risk of post-pregnancy and labor complications. Exercise improves the flexibility of their muscles and joints and eases labor. Targeted workouts and physiotherapy sessions can minimize the risk of cesarean section and promote natural childbirth. Exercise helps keep hormones in equilibrium, minimizes inflammation, and improves mood and sleep. Thus keep yourself moving for as long as possible. You can walk, swim or ride a stationary bike. These are known as low-impact aerobic exercises and are usually safe during pregnancy. Physical activity is not dangerous for your child, but caution must be practiced, and it would be best to consult your doctor before starting any workouts. Too much strain and stress on your body can be risky. Consult your doctor for safety guidelines and exercise according to your health status. Additionally, finding a qualified prenatal chiropractor near me and incorporating visits to a chiropractor can provide specialized care to maintain your spinal alignment and manage discomfort throughout pregnancy, further supporting your journey to a healthy and active gestation period.
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Avoid exposure to smoking
Smoking is either a chief risk factor or complements other risks and increases complications for pregnant women and their fetuses. Smoking disturbs sleep, compromises immunity, invites a host of infections, and increases the risk of autoimmune conditions. It can increase or trigger breathing difficulties, respiratory health issues, abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and labor, premature birth, and miscarriage. Smoking also elevates risks of lung, brain, and developmental defects in the fetus. Thus quit smoking if you are an addict. And maintain a safe distance from your family members if they have a smoking addiction, as indirect exposure to smoking or passive smoking is also dangerous for your and your child’s health.
Conclusion
Pregnancy may lower immunity and increase vulnerability to healthcare issues, but care and caution can minimize risks. Thus follow the tips above, along with all the guidelines provided by your doctor. Withdraw habits that compromise your immunity. Follow your doctor’s advice to prevent healthcare issues and adopt and practice sustainable living habits to keep yourself and your baby healthy.