How to Boost Your Immune System When Pregnant: 5 Natural Methods
Now more than ever, a healthy immune system is a top priority for every individual. This point is especially valid for pregnant women, as their immunity affects not only them but their babies, too.
In a nutshell, the immune system fights against infection, as well as protects from future reinfections. A weak immune system leaves individuals prone to sickness, conditions, and more.
Are you wondering how to boost the immune system when pregnant? Do you have other questions about pregnancy and immunity—such as, does pregnancy actually weaken immune systems?
These are all valid questions, and we want to provide you with as many scientifically-backed answers as possible. Keep reading for more.
Does Pregnancy Weaken Immune Systems?
While pregnancy does alter the immune system, it doesn’t weaken it.
It’s been long-believed that carrying a child can weaken a woman’s immune system—in reality, an aggressive immune system response is essential for fertilization. The immune system is so smart that its strength or weakness is precisely timed for implantation to take place when it’s most beneficial for Mom and baby.
For an embryo to implant at all, immune cells flood the womb’s lining, and the immune system remains in this heightened state for the first 12 weeks. This process allows the fetus to establish fully.
How to Boost the Immune System When Pregnant: 5 Natural Ways
Naturally boosting your immune system when pregnant is simple.
Consider the following five tips, always consulting with your primary care physician if any questions arise:
- Drinking plenty of fluids, primarily water
- Enjoying light exercises (with permission from your doctor), such as walking, stretching, prenatal yoga, and other low-impact activities
- Making sleep a priority, which can mean several things: eliminating caffeine, participating in regular movement, aiming for 7-8 hours a night, removing distractions, etc.
- Eating nutritious foods, such as leafy greens, salmon, natural probiotics (such as Greek yogurt), almonds, etc., while also eliminating unhealthy foods such as processed sugars or excess gluten
- Getting the recommended 85mg of vitamin C every day, which can be done with supplements or by eating fruits and veggies high in vitamin C
It’s always important to discuss these things with your doctor to ensure you’re staying safe. For example, a doctor wouldn’t recommend taking vitamin C if you’re already taking a prenatal, which likely has enough vitamin C in it already.
Another Consideration: Chiropractic and Pregnancy Immunity Benefits
We’ve got another bonus tip for you: paying the chiropractor a visit. A thorough chiropractor can not only increase your mobility, but also takes a holistic approach that observes your general nutrition and wellness.
Another benefit of seeing the local chiropractor is Webster’s Technique, which is an approach designed with the safety of pregnant women in mind. It can actually encourage the baby to get into a position that makes the birthing process more comfortable and more straightforward for the mother.
In addition to all this, a chiropractor can assist with lower back pain (a common ailment of pregnant women), muscle pains, headaches, and so much more.
Healthy You, Healthy Baby
Now that you know how to boost the immune system when pregnant, you’re well on your way to a healthy life for you and your baby-to-be. None of these methods require the use of chemicals or medication—allowing you the peace of mind that is so needed during pregnancy.
Click here to request an appointment with Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness. We look forward to hearing from you.
