Strengthening Your Immune System During Pregnancy

Living Healthily With Tuberculosis & COVID-19 During Pregnancy

Tuberculosis (TB), is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which affects the lungs and in some cases, other parts of the body like the spine and organs like the brain, intestines, kidneys and bladder. This is called extrapulmonary TB and according to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), accounts for around 11% of reported cases.

If you have latent TB, meaning that you have the bacteria in your body, but you don’t have symptoms and are not contagious, strengthening your immune system can help to prevent an active infection, where the bacteria multiply and cause TB disease. About 80% of South Africa’s population are estimated to have TB and about 1 in 10 people will develop active TB if no screenings or preventative measures are carried out.

With an active TB infection, you’ll have symptoms of the disease and you can spread it to others. If you currently have an active TB infection, you must take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will ensure that the drugs you are taking are as safe as possible for your developing baby. If you currently have latent TB, always contact your doctor if you develop TB symptoms, like a cough, fever, fatigue or night sweats.

The Immune System

Your immune system is your body’s defence system against viruses, bacteria and other pathogens (germs) that can make you sick. Organs, cells and chemicals make up the immune system. Important parts include the white blood cells and antibodies. These are special proteins your body makes after your immune system identifies and keeps a record of the specific pathogen that made you sick. Antibodies help you to fight off infection should you encounter the same pathogen again in the future.

If your immune system is weakened, it can be more difficult to fight off other illnesses, including COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. Because both TB and COVID-19 affect the lungs, healthcare practitioners are concerned that those with TB or other chronic lung conditions may have increased risk for severe illness with COVID-19. To prevent infection with the coronavirus, remember to regularly wash or sanitise your hands, wear a mask and social distance. Report symptoms of COVID-19 – a fever, dry cough, loss of smell or taste, and shortness of breath – to your doctor.

How to Strengthen Your Immune System

You can live well with tuberculosis. Diet and lifestyle choices can help boost your immune system to fight off illness. Many of the things you can do to improve your immune system are also very beneficial in pregnancy, for your baby’s growth and development. A strong immune system will also help you fight off other illnesses like colds, flu and COVID-19.

Dietary Choices

Good nutrition is a cornerstone for building the immune system and for your developing baby.

• Eat a balanced, healthy diet with foods from all food groups. These groups are made up of foods that have similar nutritional values, so it is important to choose foods from the different groups to receive a good mix of nutrients. Include carbohydrates for energy and fibre (like wholewheat bread, cereals, potatoes and rice), fruits and vegetables, dairy products, proteins (meat and fish) and good fats and oils in your daily diet
• Both morning sickness and the antibiotics that you may be taking to treat TB can make you feel nauseous or develop loss of appetite, making it difficult to get the nutrients you need. Try smaller, more frequent meals through the day if you struggle to eat a bigger meal. If you do skip a meal, have something nutritious when nausea eases.
• Continue to take your antenatal multivitamins as prescribed by your doctor. These are not intended as a replacement for a healthy diet, but rather to fill in any nutritional gaps. Find out if your medical aid covers maternity vitamins as part of your benefits. Your healthcare provider must then prescribe a product on the Scheme’s vitamin formulary list.
• Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. Water assists in the transportation of oxygen and nutrients around the body and helps to remove toxins and waste

Lifestyle Improvements

• Stress can negatively impact your immune system. Take personal time every day, to help you unwind and relax your mind. Consider meditation or read a book, spend time with your unborn baby or listen to soothing music
• Get between seven and eight hours of sleep every night. Adequate sleep rejuvenates the body and aids healing. Certain processes which occur during sleep can help your body fight infection. Infection-fighting antibodies can also be reduced during periods where you aren’t getting enough sleep
• Get some exercise. It contributes to a healthy, functioning immune system and will also help you to get a better night’s sleep. If you haven’t exercised before, check with your doctor first. Start off with just 10 minutes per day, five days a week, building up to around 30 minutes per day as your fitness increases

If you do contract COVID-19 during your pregnancy, speak to your healthcare provider about what medications and supplements you should take, that are safe for your baby. Well-meaning friends and family may offer advice about what you should take, but avoid self-medicating with COVID-19, especially if you are pregnant. Rather speak to your healthcare provider.

Final Word

Try to make healthy, decisions every day. For example, you don’t have to eat foods from every food group at each meal but aim for balance and variety through the day. By making daily changes, you can support your growing baby, improve your own health and boost your immune system.

Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/; https://www.allinahealth.org/;
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/; https://www.mayoclinic.org/; https://www.nicd.ac.za/; https://www.everydayhealth.com/