Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune During Pregnancy
The last thing you want to deal with when pregnant is a pesky flu or cold, considering the seemingly never-ending challenges that your body goes through. From morning sickness, body aches, constipation, constant peeing to lack of sleep. On top of that, you’ve to deal with a lowered immune system which means fighting bouts of infections like flu, UTI, and yeast.
Unfortunately, you can’t take over-the-counter medication when pregnant, and the only way to keep these infections at bay is by improving your immune system. Here are natural ways to strengthen your immune system when pregnant.
1. Eat a Balanced Diet
Food is literally medicine when pregnant! Focus on eating a balanced diet of healthy fats, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. The trick is ensuring your plate has a variety of colors, such as red, green, orange, and yellow, to ensure you get adequate nutrients and antioxidants that also support your baby’s healthy development.
Focus on foods rich in vitamins C, E, D, A, folate, zinc, and iron to boost your immune system and keep you healthy during pregnancy. Don’t forget to throw in some classic staples such as garlic, ginger, lemon, and turmeric, which are powerful immune boosters.
2. Exercise Regularly
Of course, exercising may be the last thing you want to do while pregnant, but did you know that regular exercise will boost your immunity? It turns out that exercise supports the functions of your immune system. A recent study shows that exercise lowers your risk of illness, improves your immune response, and minimizes inflammation.
Think of moderate exercise you can do weekly, like prenatal yoga, walking, swimming, or any activity you enjoy. Above all, consult your OB/GYN first for approval before engaging in exercises when you have pregnancy complications.
3. Manage Stress
As you might already know, too much stress can weaken your immune system over time, making your body susceptible to sickness. Without a doubt, pregnancy can be stressful with what your body goes through, not forgetting the hassle of preparing for a newborn. So, managing stress is not an option when you want to improve your immune system.
Find a few things you love doing and do them frequently, whether it’s prenatal yoga, meditation, prenatal massages, painting, baking or talking to friends. Try as much as you can to prioritize self-care by including it in your to-do list.
4. Get Plenty of Sleep
It’s no secret that getting plenty of sleep while pregnant may be a massive feat. You might experience sleep disturbance from those annoying bathroom trips, discomfort because of your bulging belly, or even pain and body soreness. But the bottom line is that enough sleep is crucial for boosting immunity.
Some of the ways to ensure that you get enough sleep include
- Diffusing essential oils
- Emptying your bladder before bed
- Investing in a quality pregnancy pillow
- Avoid using the screen before bed.
Good rest is vital for a strong and healthy immune system. A tired body won’t fight off illness like a well-rested one.
Boost Your Immune Today
Consider balancing and improving your immune system by eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and finding ways to relieve stress. You can also consult your OB/GYN in your next appointment for other ways of boosting your immunity.
Our team at Fiesta House is ready to help you celebrate your pregnancy through our exclusive maternity photography. Contact us today for a unique experience with our team of experts.
