Why Pregnant Women Are More At Risk Of Disease

pregnant women need to be more careful in maintaining health, so as to avoid disease. Viruses and bacteria which are usually harmless, might cause a higher risk condition if they cause infection in pregnant women. Come on, know the reason here. We may often hear stories of experiences from friends or relatives who complain more easily get sick during pregnancy. This can actually be influenced 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.

Understanding Changes in the Immune System During Pregnancy

In order to better protect the mother and baby from disease, the immune system in some parts of the pregnant woman's body increases, while some can decrease as compensation. This change also allows the baby, which should be considered a foreign object, to be part of the pregnant woman's body. During pregnancy, the pregnant woman's immune system also needs to work harder, because it has to protect the two bodies. As a result, pregnant women may be more at risk of infection, even the disease has never been experienced before. Other studies have found, the pregnant woman's immune system actually does not decrease, but undergoes unique changes. This uniqueness is what makes the pregnant woman's immune system react differently to the environment. However, that does not mean the immune system is weakened. Pregnant immune system produces antibodies that will help the body fight viruses and bacteria. These antibodies are then passed on to the baby through the placenta during the last 3 months of pregnancy. This is the reason babies born prematurely are more at risk of developing the disease, because they have not yet fully acquired the immune system from their mothers. However, the immunity benefits a baby receives from his mother are only temporary and will disappear several weeks or months after the baby is born. After birth, giving passive immunity from the mother to the baby actually continues through breast milk (ASI). However, babies need to get vaccinated soon, which is a form of active immunity to strengthen their immune system against various diseases.

Protect Yourself from Infection

In addition to having an impact on the immune system, hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of infection. For example, hormonal changes can make urine stay longer in the urethra, which 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, 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 detected immediately, 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 consuming meat or milk without pasteurization.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after playing with children, cooking vegetables and meat, and urinating.
• When pregnant, you should cook and consume meat until completely cooked.
• Avoid sharing cutlery and food with others.
• Check yourself to detect possible sexually transmitted diseases. Some infections, such as syphilis, listeriosis, hepatitis, HIV, and group B streptococcus, are dangerous for both mother and baby.
• If you have pets during pregnancy, you should avoid cleaning the drums and dirt. Also, avoid contact with wild animals.
• Consult a doctor to get vaccine recommendations that might be needed.

Pregnant women, do not be discouraged by the body's immune system undergoing changes that are more at risk of disease. We recommend that you take steps to prevent and live a healthy lifestyle to protect yourself, for the health of yourself and the baby in the womb.