Immune System During Pregnancy – How It Works and How to Strengthen It

Why is the immune system weakened during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is not only a very special time for the expectant mother, but also an exceptional state for the immune system, which is now being challenged multiple times. Because now it is necessary to unite two tasks that are actually mutually exclusive: The main function of the body's defense system is to neutralize foreign invaders such as bacteria or viruses. However, strictly speaking, the embryo is also such an invader - at least to a certain extent, as it carries foreign elements within itself: the genes of the father. Here too, the immune system has the task of protecting mother and child as best as possible from disease-causing pathogens. Therefore, the immune system acts differently than usual: It does not fight the unborn child, but even protects it. However, this "fight" goes so far that the body's own immune defense is weakened. The consequence: a certain susceptibility to infections during pregnancy. Expectant mothers can therefore really feel sick and tired more often.

To avoid further weakening the immune system during pregnancy due to an unhealthy lifestyle, it is now especially important to do a lot of good for the body: a diet rich in micronutrients, avoiding stress, and gentle physical activities can help strengthen the immune system during pregnancy.

The immune system during the time of implantation & in early pregnancy

Scientific studies indicate that the mother's immune system plays a significant role in the process of implantation. The maternal immune system must now downregulate in a way that allows the embryo to implant without being rejected by the body. The result is a weaker immune system around the time of implantation. A disrupted immune mechanism in women can even be responsible for preventing implantation in the uterine lining and thus inhibiting pregnancy.

If successful implantation occurs in the uterus, the mother's immune system goes into overdrive to support the optimal development of the fetus. At the same time, the immune system should continue to protect the pregnant woman from infections.

This is a balancing act of the immune system. Disruptions - such as environmental influences or physiological changes - can significantly affect the balance of the still young pregnancy. The first twelve weeks of pregnancy are also referred to as a critical phase: after fertilization and implantation of the egg cell, all vital organs and the neural tube (the precursor of the brain and spinal cord) are formed. A strong immune system supports this important process in early pregnancy.

After the first 12-15 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother usually gets used to the physical changes and starts to feel more energetic again. While many now report a carefree time, some still complain of a certain susceptibility to infections. Even if you still feel tired or sick often in the 2nd or 3rd trimester: Listen to your body and consult your gynecologist if necessary. Also, make sure to give yourself plenty of rest and eat a balanced, vitamin-rich diet! Your body is working hard and needs a lot in return.

The immune system after pregnancy

While the newborn's immune system is undergoing rapid development to best defend against pathogens in the new environment, many new mothers report having a weakened immune system in the weeks following childbirth. The postpartum period is all about the slow return to the body's previous state. Mild discomfort is normal and temporary - a loving, calm environment and sufficient self-care support the immune system's regeneration phase. Especially breastfeeding women must now focus on a healthy diet rich in vitamins and trace elements, in order to provide not only themselves but also their baby with the necessary vitamins through breast milk.

Immune System & Pregnancy: Current Research

Research on the maternal immune system aims to understand changes during pregnancy and develop therapies to prevent preterm birth and miscarriages, as well as to better support the immune system of pregnant women. Studies from Stanford University.¹ Studies have shown, for example, that the immune system is precisely timed during pregnancy and functions like an immunological clock. In the near future, it could be possible to better predict the course of a pregnancy based on the immune system. Research results from the Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati². Furthermore, studies show that the immune system functions differently between the first and second pregnancy, which is attributed to the memory cells of the immune system. The body thus remembers previous pregnancies and reacts differently.

How can you strengthen your immune system during pregnancy?

Immunological and physical changes during pregnancy cannot be controlled, but one can consciously address them and positively influence them with the right behaviors. Here, the concepts of rest, exercise, and of course nutrition are particularly important in order to support the body as best as possible during pregnancy and strengthen the immune system.

Peace and relaxation:

It is now an accepted fact that a stressful lifestyle and ongoing restlessness have an impact on the human body. Not only can sleep problems be the result, but the immune system also suffers from a hectic, stress-ridden daily life. Susceptibility to infections increases - and not only during pregnancy. It is all the more important to actively ensure periods of rest. Those suffering from a stressful job should reduce their workload. Daily relaxation exercises and good conversations with trusted individuals can also help reduce stress in a sustainable way. If you are under significant psychological stress, your primary care physician's office is a good place to address your anxieties professionally.

Movement and Sports:

Gentle physical activities keep you fit and healthy - even during pregnancy. A daily walk in the fresh air can already strengthen your immune system. There is nothing wrong with engaging in sports activities that are suitable for pregnancy, such as pregnancy yoga, swimming, or aerobics, as long as you do not suffer from pregnancy complications. Physical fitness can even help prevent pregnancy discomforts and recover faster after giving birth.

Nutrition:

With the right vitamins and trace elements, you can strengthen your immune system during pregnancy. When you are pregnant, you need more micronutrients than usual, as your body now has to support two organisms. It is therefore important to integrate a healthy, varied diet with plenty of nutrients into your daily routine. The DGE (German Nutrition Society) provides a good guideline for this:

• Drink at least two liters of water per day.

• Eat at least three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day.

• Incorporate legumes into your meals.

• Focus more on whole grain products.

• Eat fatty fish once or twice a week.

• Consume milk and dairy products, meat and sausage only in moderation.

• You should also try to avoid sweets, sugary drinks, and snacks as much as possible.

• Avoid fats high in saturated fatty acids and opt for vegetable oils instead.

Strengthening the immune system during pregnancy with vitamins & trace elements

A healthy diet is important during pregnancy to sustainably strengthen the immune system. However, many pregnant women find this task particularly challenging - especially when daily life is already demanding due to work and family. This is where dietary supplements come in, which are often specifically targeted at pregnant women. Many opt for supplements from the pharmacy to boost their immune system during pregnancy, or choose vitamins from the drugstore. It is important to mention that gynecologists are the first point of contact to discuss the intake of suitable dietary supplements. It is not recommended to take dietary supplements during pregnancy without medical advice or later the advice of midwives.

Immune System: Pregnancy Myths or Clear Facts?

Pregnant women know this all too well: A brief conversation at the cheese counter and you are once again confronted with typical pregnancy myths. We will try to briefly explain the most well-known myths surrounding the immune system in pregnant women.

• Do pregnant women have a better immune system? The fact is that pregnant women have a changed immune system. While many women during this time are more prone to infections or suddenly react more allergically to grass than usual, some pregnant women also experience an improvement in symptoms of a chronic condition such as eczema.

• Are pregnant women more susceptible to colds? Most women are more likely to catch a cold during pregnancy than usual, as the immune system is working at full capacity during this time and is more stressed than in non-pregnant women.

• Does the immune system during pregnancy reveal anything about the baby's gender? The immune system of a pregnant woman can actually react differently depending on the sex of the fetus. Research has shown that women expecting a girl have a stronger immune response than women expecting a boy, and may experience stronger symptoms of certain diseases.

• Does each child cost a tooth? There is scientific evidence that pregnancies can have an impact on dental health. The reason for this is hormonal changes during pregnancy. However, the myth "Every child costs a tooth" is exaggerated, as good oral hygiene and adequate nutrient intake are usually sufficient to maintain dental health even during pregnancy.