INTRODUCTION
During pregnancy, the female body experiences many changes. Total blood volume increases, the heart and lungs work harder and hormonal, digestive and musculoskeletal systems all need to adapt to accommodate the growing foetus1. The immune system is no exception. Although the main role of immunity is to protect the body against disease, the immune system needs to adapt to tolerate the cells of the developing foetus. This balancing act is key to a successful pregnancy1,2.
HOW DOES THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WORK?
The immune system is made up of multiple cells and systems that work together to protect the body from invaders called pathogens that can make us sick. Examples of pathogens include bacteria, viruses and fungi. Physical barriers such as the skin, body hair, mucous membranes and the lining of the gut and lungs prevent pathogens from entering the body while chemicals like enzymes and stomach acid destroy invaders before they can cause infection. When the body finds something that ‘doesn’t belong’ there, it raises the alarm, and the immune system is kicked into gear3. There are two main types of immunity: innate and adaptive immune function. The innate immune system is fast-acting and is largely responsible for symptoms of inflammation such as pain and fever. Although unpleasant, these symptoms indicate that the immune system is working. The adaptive immune system takes longer to work than the innate immune system but is highly effective at getting rid of pathogens. The innate and adaptive immune systems must work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders3.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE IMMUNE SYSTEM DURING PREGNANCY?
The immune system is designed to target and destroy organisms that don’t belong in the body before they cause harm. But what happens when a fertilised egg, consisting of half of the father’s DNA, is introduced to the mother’s body? Scientists used to believe that the female immune system becomes weak during pregnancy to prevent immune cells from attacking the growing foetus. This is not true! The immune system is active and adapts to support the mother and protect the foetus throughout pregnancy4.
First Trimester
At the beginning of pregnancy, immune cells move towards and surround the fertilised egg, but instead of attacking the foetus, they help to protect the pregnancy. This heightened activity of immune cells causes inflammation, which contributes to the symptoms of ‘morning sickness’, often experienced in early pregnancy4.
Second Trimester
During the second stage of pregnancy, the immune system shifts from an inflammatory state to an anti-inflammatory state. The immune system isn’t as active as in the first stage and ‘morning sickness’ symptoms tend to go away. This is a time of rapid foetal growth and development4.
Third Trimester
Towards the end of the third trimester, the immune system shifts yet again to an inflammatory state. By this time, the foetus has completed its development and is ready for the outside world. Immune cells migrate to the uterus, causing contractions and ultimately resulting in the birth of the baby4.
ARE PREGNANT WOMEN MORE AT RISK OF INFECTION?
As we have seen, the immune system adapts throughout pregnancy, and is not simply weaker or stronger. For example, pregnant women may be more likely to get infections like malaria. On the other hand, the immune system may be strong enough to protect both mother and baby from other infections. It all depends on the type of infection and how the immune system adapts and responds to it4.
HOW CAN MY DIET SUPPORT IMMUNE FUNCTION DURING PREGNANCY?
Like all systems in the human body, the immune system needs energy and nutrients from a balanced diet to function optimally5. This becomes even more important during pregnancy, when nutrient requirements are even higher6. Examples of nutrients important for maintaining immune function include protein, folate, vitamin D, zinc, iron, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. The best way to meet these nutrient needs is by eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods5,6.
FUTURELIFE® MOTHERS FOOD™ Shake is a scientifically formulated and nutritionally balanced, low-GI shake designed for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It contains Development 5™, Collagen, Choline, Calcium and Omega-3, and is high in Protein and Fibre. Development 5™ is a special combination of vitamins and minerals that supports both mom and baby by providing 100% of vitamin and mineral requirements (NRVs) for folate, vitamin D, zinc, iron and vitamin B12. With 14.7 g of protein per serving, it helps meet the increased protein demands of pregnancy while supporting immune function.
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CONCLUSION
A healthy immune system is essential for fighting infection and maintaining health. During pregnancy, the immune system needs to adapt to protect the mother and baby from harmful invaders whilst tolerating the cells of the foetus. A balanced diet containing key nutrients is needed to support this immune system balancing act and achieve a healthy pregnancy outcome.
REFERENCES
- Soma-Pillay P, Nelson-Piercy C, Tolppanen H, Mebazaa A. Physiological changes in pregnancy. Cardiovasc J Afr. 2016 Mar-Apr;27(2):89-94. doi: 10.5830/CVJA-2016-021. PMID: 27213856; PMCID: PMC4928162.
- Sharma S, Rodrigues PRS, Zaher S, Davies LC, Ghazal P. Immune-metabolic adaptations in pregnancy: A potential stepping-stone to sepsis. EBioMedicine. 2022 Dec;86:104337. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104337. Epub 2022 Dec 2. PMID: 36470829; PMCID: PMC9782817.
- Marshall JS, Warrington R, Watson W, Kim HL. An introduction to immunology and immunopathology. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018 Sep 12;14(Suppl 2):49. doi: 10.1186/s13223-018-0278-1. PMID: 30263032; PMCID: PMC6156898.
- Mor G, Cardenas I. The immune system in pregnancy: a unique complexity. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2010 Jun;63(6):425-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00836.x. Epub 2010 Mar 29. PMID: 20367629; PMCID: PMC3025805.
- Munteanu C, Schwartz B. The relationship between nutrition and the immune system. Front Nutr. 2022 Dec 8;9:1082500. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1082500. PMID: 36570149; PMCID: PMC9772031.
- Kominiarek MA, Rajan P. Nutrition Recommendations in Pregnancy and Lactation. Med Clin North Am. 2016 Nov;100(6):1199-1215. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2016.06.004. PMID: 27745590; PMCID: PMC5104202.
BY: Roslynn van Schoor
DATE: September 2024
