Why are Pregnant Women More at Risk of Illness?

Pregnant women (pregnant women) need to be more careful to maintain health, to avoid illness. Viruses and bacteria that are usually harmless, may cause a higher risk condition if it causes infection in pregnant women. Let's find out why on here.

We may often hear stories of friends or relatives who complain more easily during pregnancy. This can actually be affected by the many changes that occur during pregnancy. In addition to changes in body shape, pregnant women are more at risk of infection due to hormonal changes and immune system function.

Why are Pregnant Women More at Risk of Illness?

Understanding the Changes in Immune System While Pregnant

In order to better protect the mother and baby from disease, the immune system in some parts of the pregnant body increases, while some may decrease as compensation. This change also allows the baby, who should be considered a foreign object, to be part of the pregnant body.

When pregnant, the immune system also needs to work harder, because it must protect the two bodies. As a result, pregnant women may be more at risk of infection, even disease has never experienced before.

Other studies have found that the immune system of pregnant women actually does not decrease, but undergoes a unique change. It is this uniqueness that makes the immune system react differently to the environment. However, that does not mean the immune system is weakening.

The immune system produces antibodies that will help the body fight viruses and bacteria. The antibodies are then passed on to the infant through the placenta during the last 3 months of pregnancy. This is the reason babies born prematurely are more at risk of disease, because they have not fully obtained the immune system from their mother.

However, the baby's immune benefits from her mother are only temporary and will disappear weeks or months after the baby is born. After birth, the passive immunity from mother to baby actually continues through breast milk. However, the baby needs immediate vaccination, which is a form of active immunity to strengthen his immune system against various diseases.

Protect Yourself from Infection

In addition to impacting the immune system, hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of infection. For example, hormonal changes can make urine last longer in the urethra, so it can cause urinary tract infections. In addition, hormonal changes can also make pregnant women more at risk of fungal infections, such as candidiasis.

If infected, then pregnant women can transmit the disease, such as toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, or parvovirus in infants. All of these infections can endanger pregnancy and the fetus. If promptly detected, infections such as syphilis, listeria, and toxoplasmosis can be treated with antibiotics. Meanwhile, parvovirus needs to be treated with intrauterine blood transfusion.

In order for pregnant women to avoid infection, the following ways can be taken:

  • Avoid eating meat or milk without pasteurization.
  • Wash hands regularly with water and soap, especially after playing with the child, cooking vegetables and meat, and taking a bowel movement.
  • When pregnant, it is best to cook and eat meat until it is fully cooked.
  • Avoid sharing dinnerware and food with others.
  • Get checked for the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases. Some infections such as syphilis, listeriosis, hepatitis, HIV, and streptococcus group B, are harmful to both mother and baby.
  • If you have pets during pregnancy, you should avoid clearing the drums and grime. Also, avoid contact with wild animals.
  • Consult a physician to get vaccine recommendations that may be needed.

Pregnant women, do not be discouraged by the immune system that is undergoing a change so that it is more at risk of disease. Instead, take preventive measures and live a healthy lifestyle to protect yourself, for the health of yourself and the baby in the womb.

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