Pregnancy Test Positive? Here’s How to Strengthen Immunity During Pregnancy

It is a pretty common misconception that the immune system has very less to do with pregnancy but it cannot be further from the truth. On the contrary, they are indeed interconnected with each other. From the time you take an accurate home pregnancy test to the time you are a couple of weeks into your pregnancy, your entire immune system undergoes some drastic changes. To be honest, the relationship between your pregnancy and your immune system is incredibly symbiotic as it enables you to conceive and get pregnant, stay pregnant, and deliver your baby without any complications, while also leaving you more susceptible to diseases and illnesses. Crazy, right? Let’s dig deeper into this complicated relationship and find out how we can strengthen the immune system as soon as your pregnancy test kit results show positive. 

New Studies Put Old Misconceptions to Rest 

Up until a few decades ago, it was widely believed by everyone, including health experts that a woman’s immune system weakens when she is pregnant to avoid attacking the foetus. But new studies conducted by the good Dr. Brice Gaudilliere proves otherwise. His research points to the evidence that an aggressive immune system response is imperative for implantation. To achieve the best possible outcome during childbirth for both the mother and the child, the strengths or the weaknesses of the immune system are precisely timed by themselves.  

Changes That You May Experience 

Apart from the obvious changes in the way your immunity works, pregnancy hormonal changes can also contribute to your chances of contracting an infection. These hormonal changes are one of the main reasons behind UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). The infection can affect your entire urinary tract which is made of: 

• The Kidneys (organ that produces urine in our body) 
• Ureters (the tubes that carry the urine from the kidneys to the bladder) 
• Bladder (the organ where the urine is stored) 
• Urethra (the tubes which transport the urine out of the body) 

You might start wishing that you should have known about this before you took a urine pregnancy test as the ureters come under immense pressure during pregnancy. The reason for this pressure? It is during this period that the uterus expands. To combat this pressure, the body picks up the production of a hormone called progesterone that helps in relaxing the ureter and the bladder muscles. Sadly, this process makes the urine stay in the bladder for far too long which in turn increases your chances of contracting a urinary tract infection. These severe changes in the hormonal levels may also make you prone to contracting a yeast type infection called candidiasis. Yeast infections usually happen when the level of oestrogen in your reproductive tract are at abnormally high levels.  

But the deluge of unpleasant news doesn’t end there. During your entire pregnancy timeline, your lungs may contain more fluid than usual which will put more pressure on your lungs and abdomen. This pressure makes it harder for your body to clear the fluid causing it to build up in your lungs. These changes in the fluid level can also increase the risk of lung infections such as pneumonia during your pregnancy months. Also, the extra fluid build-up stimulates bacterial growth which can hinder your body’s ability to resist infections. 

Ways to Fight These Infections 

Now, the part you are actually here for. Just how can you prevent these infections and keep your immunity strong? Put on your pregnancy leggings and prepare yourself to battle sickness. 

Stay Updated with All Your Vaccinations 

The great thing about vaccines that it not only protects you from sickness but also your unborn baby in the womb and prepares it for birth. When you are expecting, consult your doctor for all the vaccines for flu and common cold that are suitable for pregnant women and go for TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccines in your third trimester to pass a stronger immunity to your baby. 

Watch What You Eat (& How) 

Over the years, several diet and health experts have compiled a list of pregnancy foods that are safe for consuming. However, we refrain from sharing it here as pregnancy diet differs from woman to woman and you should consult your doctor for the same. For now, all we can tell you is stay away from raw, unpasteurized milk and too many processed foods. Make sure you cook your meat until it is well-done. Remember to never eat undercooked meat as the bacteria still thrives in it and can spell danger for your pregnancy. Never share your plates, glass, or other utensils with other people; not even your husband or family.  

 Take Your Vitamins 

The two Vitamins - C and B6, do wonders for our immunity by increasing our body’s natural production of interferon. green vegetables, chickpeas etc. are great sources of Vitamin C.  

Take Basic Precautions 

Not just when pregnant, but especially when you are pregnant, you need to step up your precaution levels by frequently washing hands after using the bathroom, staying away from people who are sick and practicing safe sex. Read up more about the common precautions to take in pregnancy journals and maternity blogs. 

Pregnancy may feel like a burden, especially when it makes you incredibly susceptible to diseases but with a little common sense and a whole lot of precautions, it is an easy ride with the most rewarding journey.