How can I boost my immunity? Constant coughs and colds

[IWantDogger]

I'm just over 12 weeks and feeling miserable with my 3rd cold since being pregnant, each of them worse than usual. Struggling today with streaming eyes, cough and sinus pressure. Want to get the flu jab but have been struggling to find a window when I'm well enough, cough from the second one never really went before this one came. I haven't been feeling like eating much fruit & veg and not been taking vitamins apart from folic acid. Would taking a multi vitamin help? Is there anything in particular I can take/do? Will it be like this for the next 6 months?!

[beno57]

I can't offer much advice, sadly I think its the time of year. However I had my flu jab when I had a cold. the nurse said it was fine to have unless you are on antibiotics. So I'd get the flu jab asap as then at least you know the colds can't get any worse. hope you feel better soon x

[ladyflower23]

You can buy something called Boots Cold & Flu Defence. It's a nasal spray and you have to start using it as soon as you suspect you might be catching a cold (and think you can use as a preventative thing as well) and it basically stops the cold virus attaching so you don't catch the cold. It's safe to take in pregnancy and has seriously reduced the number of colds I've had since using it. You have to be very consistent with it for it to work but has been a life saver for me since ds started childcare and had literally brought a new cold home every 2 weeks!!

[NickyEds]

You have my sympathies. We're in the same boat. I'm only 8 weeks and already on second cold. Is this your first baby? I've got a nearly 1 year old and I'm putting the blame firmly at his and his little friends door!!! That and the time of year plus not being able to really medicate properly just makes it miserable. For what it's worth last pregnancy I turned a corner after 12 weeks and felt great for the next 6 months so... fingers crossed. I might give the cold defense a go, it can't hurt.

[IWantDogger]

Thankyou for the tips and sympathy! No this is dc3 so I think having one at nursery and one at school bringing home different bugs doesn't help!
I will pick up some of the nasal defense spray but the colds I've had seem to have come on very suddenly.
Such a pain as I'm self employed and my work involves assessing older people in nursing homes who are usually very frail so I don't feel I can rock up with a streaming cold so have to keep rearranging.

[Whoateallthecheese]

Lots of handwashing! Try and wash your hands whenever you come in from a public place, like the supermarket or nursery - make sure the kids do, too. And especially before eating... might help, there's so little else you can do when you're pregnant.

[ItMustBeBedtimeSurely]

First defence spray definitely works, even if your cold has already started when you take it.

There's good evidence that zinc is better at keeping colds at bay than vitamin c. I've been taking it and haven't had a cold yet this winter, so I think it works. You'd need to check it's OK in pregnancy though.

[Zahrah5]

I do lots of handwashing, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizers.

I try to eat daily 1 grapefruit with honey and also eat lots of garlic (love spread of soft cheese with mashed garlic). Garlic has antiseptic properties and should boost immunity.

Also taking vitamins.

I am taking public transport, but so far so good. Good luck!

[ilovechops]

I know you said you don't fancy the fruit and veg (neither did I at 12 weeks!) but DH bought a nutri bullet recently and blends me a fruit / veg drink with ice every morning. TBH it's a bit of a chore to drink (less now I don;t have nausea!) but I get at least 6 portions of fruit / veg in one drink and with the ice it's pretty good. He puts lots of frozen berries in there and you can add juice if you want something less pulpy. I can honestly say my immune system has been much much better since I started having it every day on top of whatever else I eat. They are expensive but hardly any washing up at all and retain all the goodness in the fruit and veg unlike many standard juicers.

Also as others have said hand washing, sanitiser stuff on public transport and sleep where you can. Good luck.

[rubyboo2]

Sounds like your immune system is working as your dealing with colds and nothing worse such as pneumonia or a chest infections high temps etc . I know colds are not very nice sometimes in pregnancy due to extra blood flow nose blocks up . I have an upper respitory tract infection and sinusitis and on antibiotics and feeling sorry for myself . Chin up x