5 Ways to Boost Your Immune System During Pregnancy

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Erica Roth

Pregnancy is a time many demands are being placed on your body to help your unborn baby grow. Staying as healthy as possible during your pregnancy can help your baby develop on schedule and gives you the energy you need to support the additional demands and have a healthy birth. Building your immune system during pregnancy mainly means taking care of yourself through diet and exercise.

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Eat a nutritious, varied diet full of fresh produce and fiber to build up your immune system. The World’s Healthiest Foods stresses the importance of antioxidant vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, protein and zinc to keep your immune response in top form. Dark leafy greens, whole grains, squash, citrus fruits and lean meats and fish can give you a wide range of these nutrients.

Take a prenatal vitamin during your entire pregnancy. You may not feel like eating if you’re suffering from morning sickness in the first trimester, or heartburn as you near full-term, but your vitamins will supplement your diet to keep you healthy. Your obstetrician will prescribe a prenatal vitamin as soon as you discover you’re pregnant. Be sure to follow your doctor’s prescription.

Build your immune system by minimizing your contact with people who are sick during your gestation period. Keep yourself healthy through frequent hand-washing and disinfecting telephones, doorknobs and other areas of your home that are covered in germs. Discuss the use of antibacterial wipes or other household cleaners with your doctor to be sure they are safe for you to use.

Get a flu shot if recommended by your doctor. Your immune system can take a hard nosedive if you contract H1N1 or other strains of flu; protect yourself and your baby.

Engage in gentle exercise such as walking or prenatal yoga. Exercise can boost your infection-fighting white blood cells, according to Rick and Jan Hanson, authors of “Mother Nurture: A Mother’s Guide to Health in Body, Mind, and Intimate Relationships.”

Consult your doctor for specific guidelines regarding the level of workout in which you should be participating. If you are unable to exercise, acupuncture or massage therapy may provide similar benefits for your immune system.

Source: livestrong