A doctor at Krasnoyarsk Maternity Hospital No. 4 gave advice to pregnant women on maintaining their immunity. The recommendations of the deputy head physician of the maternity hospital, Tatyana Kadochnikova, were published by the regional Ministry of Health.
The specialist recalled that during pregnancy, a woman’s immune system is restructured – it reduces activity, triggering physiological immunosuppression, so as not to reject the fetus. This leads to greater vulnerability to viruses and bacteria. In spring, vitamin deficiency, the influence of short daylight hours and, as a result, a decrease in vitamin D, as well as temperature changes that can lead to illness, are added to this.
“Forget about the phrase “boost immunity.” There is no need to “lift” it with fists and pills – no chemicals. The immune system should be gently supported,” the doctor advises.
The first point of such support is food. It is better to focus on seasonal products. At the same time, you need to remember that the first cucumbers from greenhouses will not give you the required amount of vitamins. It is better to choose sauerkraut – a champion for vitamin C, cranberry juice, rosehip infusion, and greens from the garden.
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Secondly, you need to take vitamin D, which is an important regulator of immunity, but in our latitudes in the spring it is sorely lacking. The dosage must be selected based on tests, so it is better to seek advice from a doctor.
“Dream. Sounds corny? But lack of sleep kills the immune system faster than any virus. In spring, the body needs more rest. Sleep during the day if you want. This is not laziness, this is a resource for the child. The next item is walking. You need to walk not “for show,” but during daylight hours. 30-40 minutes in the park, exposing your face to the sun (if there is any) is a boost of energy,” the doctor advises.
It is not worth taking a large number of tests to find out immunity indicators during a normal pregnancy. It is better to limit yourself to a general blood test. The leukocyte count will show whether there is hidden inflammation.
Experts note that it is not the fact of “reduced immunity” itself that is dangerous, but those infections that can take advantage of this. In the early stages, when the baby’s organs are developing, any cold or high temperature in the mother is dangerous. After all, during this period the body spends energy on fighting, and not on the growth of the child. Chronic infections such as thrush or bacterial vaginosis are also a sign to see a doctor.
Doctors advise regularly moisturizing your nose with saline sprays to wash away viruses from the mucous membrane. It is better to wear a mask in a crowd or on a bus. If you lose strength, you can put a spoonful of honey under your tongue (if you are not allergic). This will give quick energy and serve as an antiseptic for the throat.
“Self-medication during pregnancy is prohibited! There are things that you can do at home, on your own: rinse your nose, drink warm tea with raspberries (not raspberry jam with boiling water, but lukewarm tea), rest, ventilate the room. You only need to see a doctor if:
- temperature above 38 lasts for more than a day,
- sore throat when “I can’t swallow” (this could be a sore throat, but it is treated with antibiotics and only under control);
- cough with shortness of breath or whistling;
- any spotting due to a cold,” the doctor advises.
