While monsoons bring with them the much-needed respite from the prolonged summer heat, they also bring along an increased risk of both water-borne and vector-borne diseases.Be it typhoid, cholera, leptospirosis or dengue, malaria and chikungunya.
Building immunity during the monsoon months is a precautious healthcare step for all, but for expecting mothers it becomes a necessity to help safeguard both themselves and their un-born child.
The following tips can be kept in mind to help boost immunity and well-being among pregnant mothers:
1. Safeguard against being around stagnant water
Leaving water collected in a bucket or spending recreational time around a stagnated pond- both are examples of breeding grounds for mosquitoes and insects that can lead to vector-borne diseases.
Avoid areas that have long-standing collected water that may have accumulated over time and is known to not be frequently released.
2. Raw uncooked meals or precut edible foods are a big NO
Think salads, chutneys, cold cuts, and buffets offering fruits, sushis, juices, leafy preparations,seafood, the list can be exhaustive but is one to be mindful of. Raw foods can be a source of bacterial breeding during the rains that can go on to cause stomach infections that can be difficult to manage in pregnancy.
3. Be mindful of the upcoming vaccines during pregnancy
Be it the T-dap to prevent tetanus, or the Flu vaccine to prevent influenza. Stay on top of your game with your pregnancy-related vaccines when they are due. Not only will this help with eventual immunity building for both the mother & child, but it can also help during the monsoons by preventing infections from getting worse.
4. Focus on immunity-building foods
Opt for warm beverages like bone/veggie broth, turmeric milk, ginger lemon tea, tulsi lemongrass infused water, which will not only help hydrate but also work towards boosting good health while reducing inflammation since they are loaded with antiviral properties.Include oranges to help build collagen, prevent cell damage and provide that kick of Vit C to boost the immune system.
Beets can help with potassium, and iron and look after the increased blood volume during pregnancy.
Bittergourd is known to be an immunomodulator, an anti-inflammatory super food that compounds the immune system positively manifolds.Garlic with its antibiotic properties and warming nature can help balance the body’s pH levels better while safeguarding against infections and congestion.
Eggs are rich in protein and good fat and help the body not just with immunity but also better recovery.
5. Maintain strict hand hygiene
Hands are the most common way to infect oneself with any form of illness. It is therefore extremely important to ensure hands are washed before every meal and every time your return home as a bare minimum practice.
6. Ensure consumption of boiled water
Be it hepatitis or typhoid- waterborne illnesses see a rise during the rains. Look at switching to boiling all the water that is consumed to prevent any infections in these months.
7. Be mindful of your clothing & footwear
The best way to prevent fungal and skin infections is to stick to lose cotton breathable fabrics in monsoons that do not stick due to the humid weather and allow the skin to breathe.
Keep the feet clean and open to prevent fungal growth between fingers, nails and other enclosed spaces.
The article is authored by Dr. Vanshika Gupta Adukia, Founder of Therhappy. She is a Pregnancy/Childbirth & Lactation Specialist and a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist.
