Unfortunately, the coronavirus, which started in China and spread all over the world, still continues to spread. In people infected with coronavirus, it creates a picture of respiratory problems such as loss of taste and smell, muscle aches, headache, high fever, cough and shortness of breath. Unfortunately, these situations can lead to loss of life. In general, it has been observed that the coronavirus is milder in young, healthy and immune-strong people, while it causes more severe symptoms in the elderly and people with chronic diseases. These effects of the coronavirus and its ongoing spread worry expectant mothers. There is no data indicating that pregnant women are in a high risk group or that the virus is transmitted directly to the baby, but immunity decreases as a result of changing hormonal effects in the body during pregnancy. Healthy nutrition, which is very important at every moment of pregnancy, is even more important to keep immunity strong during this coronavirus process.
Another period when it is important to keep immunity strong during pregnancy is the winter months. Winter months invite diseases such as flu and cold due to cold weather conditions. In addition, immunity weakens due to not being able to benefit sufficiently from sunlight. The immunity of the expectant mothers was already weakened due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy. Healthy nutrition is essential to prevent mother and baby from being affected by these negative effects. In addition to these difficulties, the winter months bring with it oranges, pomegranates, tangerines, broccoli, cauliflower, leeks, etc. It is also the season for fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals, and fish important for Omega 3. Including these in your daily diet contributes to strengthening the immune system.
We said that pregnant women should keep their immunity strong, especially during the coronavirus process and winter months. So how is this achieved? Adequate and balanced (healthy) nutrition is very important to keep the immune system strong. Consuming sufficient amounts of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high protein foods (fish, chicken, red meat, legumes, eggs,…) and milk and dairy products (yoghurt, buttermilk, kefir, cheese,…) on a daily basis, and using olive oil. Consuming healthy food and sufficient water is the golden rule of a healthy diet. In addition to adequate and balanced nutrition, adequate sleep (sleep is the time when the body repairs itself the most), regular exercise, staying away from stress factors that negatively affect immunity and harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol.
During the coronavirus period and winter months, the nutrition of pregnant women should be as follows: The body must take adequate amounts of nutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat) and micro (vitamins and minerals). For this, importance should be given to nutritional diversity.
Plenty of water should be consumed.
Adequate protein should be taken every day. Edema is also observed during pregnancy due to insufficient protein intake.
Consumption of vegetables and fruits should be prioritized to provide necessary vitamins and minerals and to support immunity.
Green pepper, rich in vitamin C. , capia pepper, kiwi, orange, grapefruit, tangerine, spinach; Olive oil, walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts rich in vitamin E; Consuming foods such as carrots, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, leeks, pumpkins and oats, which contain beta carotene, a derivative of vitamin A, strengthens the immune system.
Meat, liver, seafood, milk. The mineral zinc, which is abundant in eggs and pumpkin seeds, also improves the immune system.
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Supports immunity by increasing the beneficial bacteria in the intestine. Oily fish (such as salmon) rich in Omega 3 should be consumed 1-2 times a week.
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Probiotic foods also contribute to the health of the intestines. Increases beneficial bacteria. Kefir, yoghurt and pickles can be given as examples of probiotics. Kefir and yoghurt also help meet the increased calcium needs during pregnancy. Since pickles contain too much salt, they should be consumed with caution as they will increase the edema problem seen during pregnancy.
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Bone broth repairs and strengthens the intestines and supports the immune system.
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Leek and spinach, which are winter vegetables, are examples of prebiotic foods. The compounds it contains are a source of energy for beneficial bacteria in the intestine. Thus, beneficial bacteria increase. This improves intestinal health and the immune system.
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Antioxidants, amino acids and healthy fats found in avocado strengthen immunity and protect pregnant women. It is a very useful food that can also be preferred.
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Garlic, a natural antibiotic, antioxidant and prebiotic, strengthens the immune system. Pregnant women can consume 1 tooth daily.
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Ginger, which is good for nausea and vomiting complaints during pregnancy, also strengthens immunity. (Excessive consumption may cause miscarriage during pregnancy. 1 gram of ginger per day is considered safe. Ginger tea consumed daily should not exceed 2 cups. Consult your doctor before use.)
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Vitamin D is one of the vitamins that strengthens the immune system. Sunlight is the most beautiful source. Its nutritional sources are eggs, milk and oily fish.
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Excessive fatty/sugar foods, acidic drinks, processed products, Foods that weaken the immune system, such as products made from white flour, should not be consumed or should be consumed as little as possible.
Pregnant Women Should Use Supplements During the Coronavirus Period and Winter Months Is it?
During pregnancy, the nutritional requirement increases as the baby's needs also increase. This increasing need can be met with a properly planned, adequate and balanced diet. Some pregnant women cannot meet their increased needs for vitamins and minerals such as iron, folic acid and B12. Additionally, pregnant women who are vegetarian or pregnant with twins or triplets may not be able to meet these needs. With the approval of the doctor, these pregnant women may need to use supplements.
Pregnant women can use supplements that strengthen the immune system, if needed during the winter months and during the current coronavirus process, with the approval of the doctor. may mention. Supplements containing zinc, selenium, Omega 3, vitamin C and D, which strengthen the immune system, can protect pregnant women from winter diseases and coronavirus by making them resistant to infections. Studies have shown that the risk of contracting coronavirus and therefore death is higher in cases of vitamin D deficiency, which plays a critical role in the immune system, and that people with insufficient vitamin D experience the disease more severely. Vitamin D supplements may be necessary, especially during the winter months when sun exposure is not sufficient and during this pandemic period when people must stay at home due to coronavirus. However, we should definitely not use supplements on our own. Before supplements can be used, a blood test must be done first. If there is a vitamin or mineral deficiency, the product approved by the doctor should be used at the dose approved by the doctor. Because excessive vitamin and mineral intake can have toxic effects. It may also interact with some medications, increasing or decreasing their effects. This situation may also have negative consequences.
Supplements should not be used without doctor's approval. This becomes even more important since the supplements used by the mother during pregnancy, which is a special period, will also affect the baby. Dear expectant mothers, be sure to consult your doctor before using supplements for your own and your baby's health. Your doctor will tell you what is best for both of your health. Stay healthy…
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