Research links immune system status with reproductive ability in women

A recent anthropological study, published in the American Journal of Human Biology, asserts that there may be a link between the reproductive ability in women and the status of their immune system.

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The study involved testing for levels of progesterone and C-reactive protein (CRP) in a group of premenopausal women who participated in traditional farming practices. CRP is commonly used as a marker for inflammation but, with a few other factors, it can also be used to gain information about psychosocial stress levels in a person and the status of their immune system.

According to Kathryn Clancy, who headed the study, the human body carefully allocates its energy resources with a priority on maintenance, which includes functions for survival such as immune function. Any leftover energy is then dedicated to reproductive function.

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The researchers found that participants in the study with high CRP or stress levels had lower levels of progesterone, which signals one of two things. It could be an effect of inflammation that suppresses ovarian function, or an effect of external stressors, like immune challenges that force the body to allot more energy to maintenance function and less to reproductive effort. In addition, they also found that estradiol and the age of first menstruation were the strongest negative predictors of CRP levels.

Overall, the study supported existing models about the trade-offs between maintenance functions and reproduction in women. The findings are also expected to help more women understand their bodies better as they understand the timing of many different life events.

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Find more links to interesting articles about reproductive health for females on this Facebook page for Cristian Andronic.

REPOST: Body Image: Loving Your Body Before, During, and After Your Pregnancy

Why do women have to feel good about their body before and after pregnancy? This AmericanPregnancy.org article provides the details.

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According to Ann Douglas, author of The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby, “A woman who feels good about herself will celebrate the changes that her body experiences during pregnancy, look forward to the challenge of giving birth, and willingly accept the physical and emotional changes of the postpartum period.” Her body image is important to her.

Loving Your Body Image Even Before You Are Pregnant:

Loving your body image before pregnancy can help you get through the physical and emotional changes during pregnancy. Having a positive body image of yourself is not about what you look like, but how you feel about yourself. This is crucial in pregnancy since there will be body changes that you cannot control. It is also helpful to understand why your body is going through these changes.

Loving Your Body Image When You Are Pregnant:

Knowing that your body’s changes are essential to your developing baby is reason enough to embrace these changes and SMILE!



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Understanding what your body is doing for your baby:

As soon as your egg is fertilized and implanted in your uterus, your body begins to go through changes. These changes are a result of your baby’s growth and development. Your baby has a fetal life-support system that consists of the placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic sac. The placenta produces hormones that are necessary to support a healthy pregnancy and baby. These hormones help prepare your breasts for lactation and are responsible for many changes in your body.

You will have an increase in blood circulation that is needed to supply the placenta. This increase in blood is responsible for that wonderful “pregnancy glow” that you may have.

Your metabolism will increase, so you may have food cravings and the desire to eat more. Your body is requiring more nutrients to feed both you and your baby.

Your uterus will enlarge and the amniotic sac (your baby’s home) will be filled with amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid is there to protect your baby from any bumps or falls.

Here are a few things you can do to love your body image during pregnancy:

Exercise:

Exercise during pregnancy can help you feel fit, strong, and sexy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women are encouraged to exercise at least 30 minutes a day throughout pregnancy, unless your health care provider instructs differently.

Before starting any exercise program ALWAYS check with your health care provider.

For more information on exercise throughout pregnancy, check out the Nutrition & Exercise section.

Pamper yourself:

Treat yourself to a body massage or a makeover. Go shopping! What better excuse to go shopping. There are cute and even sophisticated maternity clothes to buy. This is your time to shine. Make the most of these wonderful 9 months.

Have a good support network:

It is a good idea to surround yourself with positive people. During your pregnancy you can be more vulnerable to negative self-talk and it can affect you in a negative way. If you are feeling that you are not getting the support you need, share that with those around you.

Loving Your Body After Pregnancy:

After your baby is born your body has to adjust and return to a non-pregnant body. Your uterus will need time to shrink, so don’t expect a flat belly after your delivery. Remember, your body has been through a lot in giving birth and needs time to recuperate. Give yourself some time to rest and catch up on some sleep. It’s ok to ask your family and friends for help with the baby so you can catch some zzzz’s.

Exercise can also help you get your pre-pregnancy body back. Join a gym that offers childcare or load up your stroller and walk through the neighborhood. This will also help get you out of the house so you can feel refreshed.


Dr. Cristian Andronic is well-versed in all aspects of of general gynecology and obstetrics. More about him and other pregnancy-related articles can be found on this site.