Surviving pregnancy: 7 Tips To Stay Well In Pregnancy
It is that time of year where everyone seems to be sick. Everyone is in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Some people spell this season as STRESS. The combination between surviving the holidays, family events, shopping, work, and all the sugary treats sometimes leads to surviving it on the couch with a box of tissues and hot fluids. When pregnant it is easier to get sick, how do you avoid getting sick? Here is our surviving pregnancy guide for preventing illness:
1. Wash Your Hands
The first step to take to avoid getting sick while pregnant is to make sure you’re washing your hands frequently. Using hand sanitizer disrupts the normal bacteria on your hands, sometimes killing the good bacteria that we need on our body. Hand sanitizer does not always kill all bacteria and can contribute to getting sick. It is best to wash your hands using hot water and soap. It is also helpful to clean commonly touched surfaces such as counters, doorknobs, and light switches especially when other are running the runny nose or slight cough.
2. Eat Well
The best defense against getting sick while pregnant is to be proactive about your overall health. When you’re pregnant, what you eat is important in keeping both you and your baby healthy. Eat whole foods including lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. Avoiding highly processed foods, sugar, and dairy products can help your body heal. Encouraging onion, garlic, citrus fruits, and elderberry can go a long way to support the immune system.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is a critical part of your overall health. Lack of sleep can negatively affect your mental and physical health and weaken your immune system. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body secretes extra stress hormones.
4. Take Your Vitamins & Supplements
Taking vitamins and supplements help support your body while sick. Watching your vitamin C intake is important during pregnancy. It is safe to take no more than 500mg or vitamin C during pregnancy. Supplements such as elderberry, astragalus root, stinging nettle tea, and garlic can be helpful in boosting your immune system.
5. Try Not to Stress
Being stressed can make you feel run down and may even make you more likely to get sick. Find ways to relax and take your mind off things such as bathing, time for self care, reading, or listening to calming music.
6. Stay Active
The best way to avoid catching an illness is to be healthy. Exercise encourages white blood cells to circulate, encourages helpful hormones, and encourages the body to health faster.
7. Avoid Sick People
When aware of co-workers, friends, or family that is sick, try your best to avoid circumstances in which you have to come in contact with them. If you are forced to be around an individual who is sick, wash your hands frequently, use essential oils, eat well and exercise well.
In our next article, we will be discussing how to survive pregnancy when sick and things that can be used safely in pregnancy when you become sick.