Immunity Maternal

Maternal immunity is the mother's body's defense system, which provides protection to the fetus and newborn child from various infections. It is a passive immunity that is transmitted from mother to child through the placenta and colostrum in the first days after birth. This immunity provides protection against many life-threatening infections such as influenza, measles, rubella, chickenpox and others.

Maternal immunity includes antibodies that were produced by the mother in response to infectious diseases and are transmitted to the child through the placenta. These antibodies protect the baby from infection during the first few days after birth, when the baby's immune system is not yet fully developed.

However, maternal immunity is not absolute and cannot protect the child 100%. For example, if the mother has not been vaccinated against measles or has no immunity to other infections, the child may become infected with them. In addition, maternal immunity may be ineffective against some viruses and bacteria that were not previously known.

In general, maternal immunity plays an important role in protecting the child from infections in the first months of life. However, to ensure maximum protection, doctors recommend vaccinating the mother against dangerous infections and monitoring the child’s condition during the first months of life.

Maternal immunity is a form of natural immunity that is passed from a mother to her offspring during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This mechanism protects children from various infections and diseases that can damage their developing bodies. In this article we will look at the features of maternal immunity and its role in protecting the child from disease.

Maternal immunity

Maternal immunity is passive immunity, which is determined by the presence of antibodies in her body. These antibodies are passed through the placenta and through breast milk. Such antibodies help the child fight various infections and diseases even before birth. How does maternal immunity work?

When a woman is pregnant, her body begins to produce antibodies directed against pathogens or infections that may be dangerous to the unborn child. These antibodies bind to the infection and kill it, thereby preventing the fetus from becoming sick.

However, not all infections can be eliminated this way. Some bacteria and viruses can cross the placental barrier and begin to act inside the developing baby's body. To avoid this, the female body, even before birth, also began to produce natural immune defense cells - leukocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes. They are able to neutralize the infection and protect the embryo from any influence. In addition, the mother's body produces a special substance - interferon, which can prevent cell damage by viruses and bacteria. Thus, thanks to the presence of a woman’s maternal immunity, the child can be protected even before birth. This prevents the development of infections and diseases, which protects it from various threats. However, maternal immunity may not be absolute. If the mother is immunocompromised or has consumed harmful substances during pregnancy, this natural defense mechanism will be less effective and may not completely stop the infection. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the health of the expectant mother, avoid bad habits and take special medications if necessary.

The role of maternal immunity in the development of the child The maternal immune response is one of the most important components of the child's development after birth. It helps protect the child from infections and protects his body from possible complications. First of all, the mother’s immunity allows the natural barriers of the child’s body to protect the organs of the respiratory system and other vital systems from bacteria and viruses. Moreover, maternal immunity helps stimulate the baby's immune system so that it can effectively fight against possible infections in the future. This reduces the risk of diseases in babies and increases the likelihood of healthy growth and development.

In addition, the level of maternal antibodies reaches its peak in the last weeks of pregnancy and remains in the mother's blood for some time after birth. Thus, the child’s body receives