A lower than normal immune system is one of the many negative side-effects of pregnancy that women deal with. Never take any medication without seeking professional medical advice; even cough lozenges and other over the counter medicines can be dangerous to your unborn child. There are some natural remedies
and health supplements that you can take to help relieve cold and flu symptoms; once again, seek the appropriate qualified advice before taking any of these.
I have listed some basic, common sense tips that I adhere to in an effort to avoid picking up general colds and flu viruses, as well as other potential infections. These are also beneficial to the public in general, however it is even more important to be diligent with your health and hygiene when you are pregnant; prevention is better than worrying about a cure.
(1.) Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the toilet, touching animals and prior to handling or eating food. Ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly using soap or antibacterial wash and that they are completely dry as well. If using a public toilet, try to use handy wipes/towels if possible; use them to turn the taps on and off and open the doors too; just in case other people haven’t been quite so diligent. If you are walking upstairs or using an escalator, try not to run your hands along the banister/rails, just think about how many people do that each day.
(2.) Make it a habit not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth unless you have just cleaned your hands. These areas are the main entry points for germs and viruses. Think about the amount of hands you shake when you meet people, or how many people used the same public transport and touched the same things as you each day. Hand to hand contact as well as shared resources and spaces can lead to infections. I have to admit, as a woman, it is easy to avoid the handshake as many of our male counterparts don’t expect it… This used to annoy me in the workplace; now I am glad!
(3.) Drink fresh clean water all the time! Now is the time to get yourself a groovy sports water bottle, keep it full and take it everywhere you go and sip it regularly. Water flushes waste products from your cells, it aids in healthy liver and kidney function for mother and baby. Water can also as help to prevent urinary tract infections. Keeping well hydrated will also help to prevent headaches and fatigue; try drinking water at ambient temperature too, often it is easier to swallow than icy cold water. When I am fed up with water and feeling bloated, yet still thirsty; I eat juicy fruits like grapefruit, oranges and mandarins instead; these are also a great natural source of vitamin C and great for combating cold and flu germs.
(4.) Ensure that you get enough rest to allow your body to rejuvenate and recover from the hard work of creating another life; this will also help boost your immune system. Accept that you may not have the same amount of energy as before and either have earlier nights or an extra nap in during the day if you can. Try not to exercise, eat or drink too late in the evening and relax by reading instead of watching TV or using your computer. A good nights sleep will assist your immune system, reduce stress, energise you and help with tissue regeneration…’Beauty sleep’ yet another cliché that is well worth remembering.
(5.) Eat a variety of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables every day and try to maintain a well balanced diet. Be careful what you eat to avoid listeria and be mindful of how you store and prepare your food; even if you are suffering from morning sickness 24/7. You may not be able to hold down a lot of food and experiencing cravings for food that isn’t particularly nutritious; make what you eat count! That little life within you will take an extra helping of nutrition whenever it can; make sure that you are as healthy as you can be too… That old cliché; ‘you are what you eat’ is ever so true and never more vital to remember than now!
(6.) Exercise in moderation… There are many articles and books that give you advice about safe exercise in pregnancy, however the best person to consult is your health professional or Doctor to find out what is safe and appropriate for you. Light to moderate exercise is great for your improving your metabolism, helps to tone your muscles, increases your flexibility and mobility as well as boosting your immune system. It is also a great way to feel good about your body, confident and a great opportunity to socialise and meet new people. Whether you join a gym, go for a swim a walk in the crisp fresh air or participate in a light sport, exercise can improve your mood and produce an over all feeling of well being.
(7.) Avoid places were there are large crowd gatherings, or a lot of young children, (like daycare or school, my Doctor advised me to stay away as much as possible). If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, you will be well aware of the many flu viruses that have been circulating this winter. People have been advised to stay away from work if they are ill and not to attend gatherings where there are large crowds… You can’t trust everyone to do this; so if in doubt, stay at home yourself. If you are in a shared work space, take your own antibacterial wipes and clean your keyboard, telephone, desk and any other commonly used resources before you start your day.
I hope you manage to stay healthy, however if you do pick up some unwanted germs, these tips will help you to recover; whether you are pregnant or not. Remember if symptoms persist, seek medical advice and insist on the best care for yourself and your baby.
