What should pregnant women eat to enhance the immunity of the fetus?

Generally, pregnant women can enhance their fetus's immunity by consuming foods such as eggs, salmon, broccoli, yogurt, and walnuts. Additionally, they may take medications like folic acid tablets, calcium carbonate D3 tablets, vitamin D drops, multivitamin tablets, and DHA algal oil soft capsules under medical guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

I. Foods

1. Eggs: Rich in high-quality protein, lecithin, vitamin A, and vitamin D, eggs provide essential nutrients for fetal development. Protein serves as the core building block for fetal immune cells. Lecithin promotes nervous system development in the fetus, while vitamin A supports the growth of respiratory and digestive tract mucosal tissues, helping establish the fetus's first line of immune defense.

2. Salmon: As a common deep-sea fish, salmon contains abundant DHA and omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids. DHA not only promotes fetal brain and retinal development but also helps regulate maternal immune balance, reducing pregnancy-related inflammatory responses, indirectly creating a stable environment for fetal immune system development. Omega-3 fatty acids enhance maternal immunity and reduce the risk of infections during pregnancy.

3. Broccoli: Containing vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber, broccoli boosts maternal immunity through its antioxidant properties and supports fetal immune cell maturation via placental transfer. Dietary fiber improves constipation during pregnancy, maintains maternal gut health, and reduces indirect negative effects of harmful bacteria on the fetus.

4. Yogurt: Rich in probiotics and high-quality protein, yogurt helps regulate the maternal gut microbiome by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth, reducing the risk of intestinal infections during pregnancy, and indirectly protecting the fetus from adverse microbial influences. Protein also replenishes maternal nutritional needs and provides building materials for fetal immune tissue growth.

5. Walnuts: Containing unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and zinc, walnuts support fetal development. Vitamin E protects fetal cells from oxidative damage, zinc is essential for synthesizing fetal immune enzymes, promoting normal immune system development. Unsaturated fatty acids also support fetal brain development, meeting both neurological and immune needs.

II. Medications

1. Folic Acid Tablets: The main ingredient, folic acid, participates in fetal cell division and DNA synthesis. It is not only crucial for preventing neural tube defects but also promotes fetal immune cell generation, laying the cellular foundation for immune system development. It should be taken regularly from preconception through early pregnancy, with dosage following medical advice.

2. Calcium Carbonate D3 Tablets: Containing calcium carbonate and vitamin D3, these tablets meet the calcium needs of fetal bone development during pregnancy. Vitamin D3 enhances calcium absorption and regulates maternal immune function, indirectly influencing fetal immune maturation. These tablets are suitable for use after mid-pregnancy when fetal calcium requirements increase, with dosage adjusted based on overall calcium intake during pregnancy.

3. Vitamin D Drops: Containing vitamin D2 or D3, these drops promote fetal immune system development and enhance the newborn's resistance to respiratory infections. They also help maintain maternal calcium and phosphorus balance, preventing adverse effects of vitamin D deficiency on fetal health. Dosage should be determined based on serum vitamin D test results under medical supervision.

4. Multivitamin Tablets: Containing over 20 nutrients including folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, and B vitamins, these tablets comprehensively supplement essential nutrients during pregnancy. Vitamin C supports fetal immune cell development, while B vitamins participate in fetal energy metabolism and cell synthesis. Suitable for use throughout pregnancy, strict adherence to medical dosage instructions is necessary to avoid overdose.

5. DHA Algal Oil Soft Capsules: Extracted from algal oil, these capsules provide high-purity DHA without EPA, making them suitable for supplementation during pregnancy. They directly support fetal brain and retinal development and regulate maternal immune status, reducing inflammation during pregnancy and indirectly supporting fetal immune system development. These capsules should be taken starting from mid-pregnancy, with dosage following medical advice.

To better enhance fetal immunity, pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet, avoid picky eating, and engage in about 30 minutes of mild daily exercise to promote nutrient absorption.