Pregnancy and the Immune System

The role of nutrition in strengthening the immune system has been the focus of many studies over the years¹.

The immune system is your body’s natural defence system. It is an intricate network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend your body against invaders, invaders that can include bacteria, viruses, parasites, or even fungus, all with the potential to make us sick². Your immune system works all year round to ward off all kinds of illnesses².

But what happens to the immune system when you fall pregnant? Are there ways to naturally boost your immune system during pregnancy?

The immune system and pregnancy are very much interconnected, with your immune system undergoing some very intense changes when you are pregnant³.

So fascinating are the highly orchestrated changes in the immune system throughout pregnancy that the Stanford University School of Medicine conducted the first-ever study into the meticulously timed immune system changes in women that occur during pregnancy.

The results, which were published in 2017, revealed that there is an immune clock of pregnancy and that the timing of immune system changes follow a precise and predictable pattern in normal pregnancy. These results may be a step towards understanding why some babies are born prematurely and how this can be prevented, by researching why someone’s immune system is not adapting to pregnancy the way it is expected to⁴.

While these immune system changes can help you to fall pregnant, stay pregnant and deliver your baby, they ironically can also make you more susceptible to illness³.

This is because changes in hormone levels and immune system function can make you more vulnerable to infections and complications. During pregnancy, different parts of your immune system are enhanced while others are suppressed⁵.

These changes also help protect your baby from your body’s defences and means that during pregnancy, your immune system has to work harder since it’s supporting two of you. This makes you susceptible to certain infections⁵.

These changes in the immune system during pregnancy make pregnant women (and women up to two weeks postpartum) more prone to severe illness from flu which is why many healthcare experts recommend that pregnant women get the flu vaccine⁶.

Consuming the right nutrients is important at every stage of life, but it is especially critical during pregnancy, as pregnant women need to nourish both themselves and their growing babies⁶. Vitamins and minerals support maternal and foetal growth at every stage of pregnancy and are required to support critical functions such as cell growth⁷.

Hannelise Rademan, a Registered Dietitian currently volunteering at Worcester Provincial Hospital in the Western Cape, reiterates that vitamins and minerals can be seen as building blocks to strengthen your immune system. “These building blocks include vitamins A, C and D, minerals such as zinc and omega-3 fatty acids,” she says⁸.

When you are pregnant, a healthy diet should include the right balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, as well as micro-nutrients like iron, folate, calcium, and vitamin⁹.

Many health experts globally recommend that all pregnant women take a prenatal vitamin and folic acid supplement. This is advised to fill nutritional gaps and also to prevent birth defects like spina bifida⁷.

A prenatal vitamin, such as PregOmega Plus, which is South Africa’s No.1 prenatal choice¹⁰, not only contains 500 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid, but also added Omega 3, Calcium, Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Magnesium and other vitamins and minerals which all have a myriad of benefits for both the mother and her growing foetus, some of which are mentioned below¹¹.

Calcium’s key function is to ensure the proper growth and structure of teeth and bones. 

Low calcium intake throughout life, and particularly in periods of rapid growth such as pregnancy, increases the risk of osteoporosis later in life, particularly after menopause¹¹.

During pregnancy, women require an additional 15mg of vitamin C per day. Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient for ensuring good dental health for the pregnant woman and her foetus, as it plays an important role in the development of healthy gums¹¹.

Vitamin D has an important function in assisting the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus. It is also an important nutrient for optimal immune function, maintaining healthy skin and muscle strength. Vitamin D deficiency in a pregnant woman is an important risk factor for the development of osteoporosis later in life¹¹.

Magnesium is a micronutrient that  plays a role in regulating the function of other minerals including calcium and potassium¹¹. It is associated with a maintenance of overall good health and plays a role in helping to metabolise carbohydrates, fats and proteins as well as contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue¹².

Zinc plays a role in regulating how genes and genetic traits are replicated in the DNA¹¹. It also importantly plays a role in the maintenance of immune function and contributes to normal cognitive function¹².

Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in the maintenance of overall good health¹³ and are important components of cell membranes, including the membranes of cells which form the eye, and the central nervous system¹¹. 

Rademan recommends the we should stock up on a variety of foods according to their nutritional benefits.

These include⁸:

• Vitamin A: Sweet potato, Kale, Broccoli and Bok Choy, Spinach
• Vitamin C: Red Peppers, Berries, Citrus Fruits
• Vitamin D and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty Fish (Salmon, Trout, Sardines, Anchovy)
• Zinc: Lean Meat, Chicken, Whole Eggs, Fatty Fish, Wholegrains and Pumpkin Seeds
• Magnesium: Green leafy vegetables (e.g. spinach and kale), figs, avocado, banana and raspberries, Nuts and seeds, black beans, chickpeas and kidney beans, peas, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, artichokes, asparagus, brussels sprouts, salmon, mackerel, tuna)

“It is also important to keep in mind which foods not to consume in excess during pregnancy, including too many Vitamin A rich foods”, says Hannelise⁸.

While a healthy diet can certainly boost your immune system, remember too that plenty of sleep, moderate exercise and staying hydrated is also very important⁹. “Sleep is the time our bodies need to rest and repair, particularly in deep sleep,^” she says⁸.

Speak to your doctor or a dietician about your nutritional needs and a suitable supplement to take when pregnant. Go to https://pregomega.co.za/ for more information.

DISCLAIMER:

This editorial has been commissioned and brought to you by iNova Pharmaceuticals. Content in this editorial is for general information only and is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. This article includes views and opinions of the named Healthcare Provider and not reflect the views of iNova Pharmaceuticals, nor is it intended as medical advice. For more information, speak to your healthcare provider.

This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use. Health supplements do not replace a healthy diet and lifestyle. For more information speak to your healthcare professional.

Further information is available on request from iNova Pharmaceuticals. Name and business address: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd. Co. Reg. No. 1952/001640/07. 15E Riley Road, Bedfordview. Tel. No. 011 087 0000. www.inovapharma.co.za. IN1225/20

References:

1. American Institute for Cancer Research. Can Your Diet Boost Your Immune System and Provide Better Protection Against COVID-19? (2020) athttps://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/can-your-diet-boost-your-immune-system-and-provide-better-protection-against-covid-19/(website accessed on 24 May 2020)
2. Web MD. How to Use Your Immune System to Stay Healthy (2009) at https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/how-use-your-immune-system-stay-healthy (website accessed on 24 May 2020)

3.    Family Education. The Immune System and Pregnancy: A Step-by-Step Guide (2019) at https://www.familyeducation.com/immune-system-pregnancy-step-step-guide (website accessed 24 May 2020)

1. Stanford Medicine. Immune system changes during pregnancy are precisely timed (2017) at https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2017/09/immune-system-changes-during-pregnancy-are-precisely-timed.html (website accessed 24 May 2020)
2. Parenthood by Healthline. Infections in Pregnancy (2016) at https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/infections#prevention (website accessed 24 May 2020)
3. Parenthood by Healthline. Supplements During Pregnancy: What’s Safe and What’s Not (2020) at https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/supplements-during-pregnancy#bottom-line (website accessed on 24 May 2020)
4. CDC. Flu Vaccine and Pregnancy (2019) at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/qa_vacpregnant.htm (website accessed on 24 May 2020)
5. Q&A with Hannelise Rademan – 25 July 2020 (unpaid)
6. Premier Health. Healthy Advice About Nutrition, Pregnancy, And COVID-19 (2020) at https://www.premierhealth.com/your-health/articles/healthnow/healthy-advice-about-nutrition-pregnancy-and-covid-19 (website accessed on 24 May 2020)
7. IMS: TPM Data (A11A, A11E, V6D, V3X/Constructed Class). MAT December 2019

• Author
• Recent Posts

PregOmega

PregOmega Plus is a unique 3-in-1 Pregnancy combination supplement for before, during & after. Each pack of PregOmega Plus contains
multivitamin and mineral tablets, a combination of vitamins and minerals to ensure optimal nutrition during pregnancy. Omega 3 fish oil capsules are also included which are high in DHA and EPA and also contain premium Triglyceride oil which is free from alcohol and safe for both mother and baby. Lastly, calcium combination tablets contain a unique combination formula that includes Vitamin D3 and Magnesium.
For more information, go to www.pregomega.co.za

Latest posts by PregOmega (see all)

• Pregnancy and the Immune System - February 4, 2021