Frequent Illness During Pregnancy: Causes & What to Do

Question
Hello Brenda,

I am 30 years old and I am having my 3rd baby.  Right now I am 19 weeks along.  Unfortunately, I keep getting sick.  Right from the moment I conceived (it seems), I have caught everything under the sun.  So far I have been sick with the rotavirus, that landed me in the hospital for IV fluids and medication.  Right after that I got a really bad cold that developed into bronchitis and a nasty sinus infection.  I was on antibiotics for that for nearly 2 weeks.  That finally cleared up, and I stayed well for about a week and a half and now I have another nasty cold, that I feel like is heading for something worse.  I'm so frustrated that I want to scream.  I'm so sick of being sick!!!  My 2 children are ages 2 1/2, and 18 months and they stay well, even though I have been sick for a long time--so I know I am not catching things from them.  Even when I had the highly contagious rotavirus, they did not get it (THANKFULLY).  



I have spoke to my OBGYN, and he says there are things I can take (which I do when desperation sets in), and I begin to get better slowly, but then as soon as I do, I get hit with something else.  Is there anything I can do to stay healthy and get through this pregnancy without feeling so crappy?  I'm at my wits end feeling like this and not having many options.  Please help!

Thanks!


Answer
Dear Tanya,

Unfortunately, your immunity must be low right now, for some reason. Has your doctor done a complete blood count to make sure your white blood cells are where they should be?

I'm sure this is extremely frustrating for you, but I really have no magic answer to help your situation. Except to suggest a blood count, which may or may not indicate anything, all I can do is empathize and have a good thought for you.

I wish you well and a much better 2nd half of your pregnancy.

Brenda