Keeping these changes in mind, this article will walk you through five natural, evidence-based ways to lower your risk of RSV during pregnancy. You’ll also find practical tips that fit Indian homes, communities, and weather.
1. Strengthen Your Immune Defences Naturally
You can’t make your immunity perfect, but you can help it stay robust:- Eat a balanced diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and pulses.
- Ensure you get enough protein (dals, eggs, paneer, nuts), as well as vitamins A, C, D, and zinc.
- Sleep well: aim for 7–8 hours, with short naps if needed.
- Manage stress: practice breathing exercises, gentle yoga, and meditation.
- Get moderate movement, such as strolling in a garden or around your home, daily.
2. Minimise Exposure to Viral Triggers
RSV spreads through droplets and contaminated surfaces. You can reduce exposure by:- Washing hands often with soap and water, especially after coming home or touching public surfaces.
- Carrying a clean handkerchief or tissue in your bag; use it when someone coughs or sneezes nearby.
- Avoid close contact with people showing cold symptoms, especially in crowded spaces like buses, the metro, and clinics.
- Ensuring good ventilation at home: open windows or use exhaust fans to allow air circulation.
- Disinfecting high-touch surfaces (doorknobs, switches, mobile phones) regularly.
- Wearing a clean, breathable mask in crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated places, particularly in monsoon or early winter.
3. Build a “Cocoon” Around the Baby
While you cannot stay completely isolated, you can create a protective circle for your newborn during the first months:- Encourage family members and close contacts to follow hand hygiene and avoid visiting if unwell.
- Ask visitors to sanitise their hands upon entry or to wear masks when meeting you.
- During late pregnancy, avoid crowded gatherings, especially indoors with poor ventilation.
- If siblings or relatives show cold symptoms, ask them to keep a distance until they recover.
- Continue the cocooning post-birth: limit visitors, encourage clean habits, and mask use around the baby.
- Recently, monoclonal antibody vaccination has been launched in the country, given to infants, reducing the risk of RSV infection in babies.
4. Pay Attention to Early Signs & Prompt Care
Even with the best efforts, infections can still occur. Early action helps:- Recognise warning symptoms in yourself: persistent cough, fever, breathlessness.
- Don’t delay seeing your obstetric care team if you feel worse than a simple cold.
- For your newborn, watch for signs such as fast or difficult breathing, bluish lips, or refusal to feed. These could be signs of RSV infection.
- Maintain contact details for paediatricians and hospitals experienced in neonatal respiratory care.
- Follow medical advice promptly; early support may prevent progression to serious illness.
- strengthening your natural immunity
- minimising exposure to viral sources
- creating a cocoon around your newborn
- planning with seasonal awareness and medical guidance
- staying alert to symptoms and seeking prompt care
With India’s climate and crowded places, prevention is not just a choice; it is smart. Simple habits like good hygiene, fresh air, and staying alert all help protect you and your baby. Keep up these practices through birth and the early months, while your baby’s immunity is still growing.
Wishing you and your baby a healthy and safe journey ahead, with care and protection every step of the way.
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FAQs on Protecting Yourself and Your Baby from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Understanding This Common Cold-Like Illness During Pregnancy
- Is RSV vaccination currently available for pregnant women in India?
As of now, maternal RSV vaccines are still under evaluation and trials in India; routine use is not yet widespread. Global efforts are ongoing to bring maternal vaccines to low- and middle-income countries. - Can I breastfeed if either I or my baby contracts RSV?
Yes, breastfeeding is typically encouraged even if there’s an RSV risk. Breast milk conveys antibodies and immune support, which may help the baby’s defence and recovery. - Does wearing a mask continuously indoors help prevent RSV for my baby and me?
Yes, particularly in enclosed spaces or where people are ill. A breathable, well-fitted mask adds a barrier against droplets. But it should be combined with other measures (ventilation, hygiene), not used alone.