Is your immune system lowered or raised in pregnancy??

I've heard conflicting things regarding this. My Acupuncturist has told me that pregnant women have very high immune systems when pregnant therefore shouldn't get very ill much in pregnancy yet others have told me you have a lowered immunity therefore easier to catch colds, flu's etc......

I'm suffering from a chest infection after a recent cold virus but just can't shake it, i've been sick now for 2 weeks (unlike me)......

What are all your thoughts?? What's the truth?? Immunity higher or lower??? I just want to know!! :lol:

I ALWAYS get sick this time of year once a year anyway so figured it's just my time to get sick!

My understanding is that you definitely have a lower immunity. But I'm not sure if this remains throughout the whole pregnancy or not.

Your immune system is suppressed during pregnancy.
Mainly so that your body does not "reject" the growing baby.
I am sure there are other reasons as well, but they escape me right now.

It's why we need to be careful of Listeria and what we eat, because our immune systems are not what they usually are and we are more likely to develop it.

Aaaaah, it's a bit of a tricky one, the immune system. It is both better and worse off during pg. Don't ask me to explain it, because I can't, it's way too complex for me, but maybe someone else will be able to ;)

I got a really bad flu that lasted for 2 weeks early in my pregnancy but then for the rest of the pregnancy I was healthier than I every have been.

The immune system is suppressed during pregnancy. Immunity on the whole is a complex area that still isn't fully understood, especially when it comes to reproduction. But there are some mechanisms that the body has so that the sperm and then the developing baby are not rejected - one of which is suppressing the immune system somewhat so that it doesn't attack the foetus. The placenta produces immunosuppressant chemicals such as progesterone and the structure of the placenta ensures that there is no actual mixing of the mother's blood supply with that of the foetus. The lining of the vagina also ensures sperm does not come into contact with the female immune system.

The immune system isn't one single thing, it can be selectively surpressed. For example DH has had a double lung transplant and is on immunosuppressants so his body doesn't reject the new organs, but other parts of his immune system work mostly fine. E.g. I catch colds WAY more often than him normally. It depends on the type of immunosupressant being taken I guess?

During the pregnancy I'd say that my immune system has generally been stronger than prepregnancy. I've come into contact with many, many people who have been sick this winter and the most I've felt is a bit tired for a day or so (and maybe not coincidentally craving vitamin c rich foods!).

It's an interesting area :)

yeah it sure is something that not alot of people know about...... I'd love to find out more about it....

All i know is that it's taking me a long time to get over this cough/chest infection whereas normally i bounce back pretty fast. Maybe it's just a nasty virus :dunno:

Awwwww Ren, I hope you get over it soon!

I had the flu last week but was over it within 3 days, I was so scared it was going to hang around & make labour harder than it needs to be, thank goodness it's gone!

I can answer your question for you but I always have people saying the imune system is lower when PG because "the baby takes everything" LOL

technically your immune system is "switched off" during pregnancy, because as my endocrinologist explained there is a "foreign object" ie; bubby, in your body & if your immune system was "switched on" it would reject the bubba.

thanks girls. that makes sense.

Danielle - omg not long to go..... eeeee!! :D can't wait for your announcement!

Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling sick.

I have don't know about the immune stuff :lol: But I do know that I have been sicker with this pg than with the first!! :o And yeah, It's taken me a month to get over the first bout of flu and tbh ... I still don't feel like sunshine :)

Hope you get better WAY soon!! Keep up fluids and TRY ( :rolleyes: like I need to say this) to get some rest!!

BTW - had a look at your gallery .. was curious about your bump ... HUN YOU LOOK FANTASTIC!!!!! I am totally jealous!!!!

Thanks girls.
Thanks Nadine :hug: !! I do feel alot better last 2 days and haven't been coughing half as much! Thank goodness! I'm finally feeling alot better and actually managed some house work today!

I'm sorry you're still not feeling very well after the flu. Hope you get some energy back soon and congrats on reaching half way chick! :hug: awesome!