Since 1960, the WHO has officially promoted vaccination during pregnancy to prevent disease. This recommendation has reduced maternal and neonatal mortality by up to 90%.
Immunization is the process by which an individual becomes resistant to a disease, either through contact with certain etiological agents or through the administration of a vaccine that stimulates the body’s immune system to protect against infections or diseases. In the specific case of babies, since they do not have a fully developed immune system at birth, they are at greater risk of contracting serious infections.
“During the first months of life, newborns depend primarily on maternal antibodies transferred across the placenta in the last weeks of pregnancy. These antibodies provide protection for about 2 months, then They disappear and the baby begins to actively generate its own. However, between Between 2 and 6 months of age, the baby may experience a period of high susceptibility to infections due to transient infantile hypogammaglobulinemia, while their system immunological completes its maturation.”
How does maternal immunization work?
Maternal immunization occurs through three main routes: the passage of antibodies transplacental, which through vaccination strengthens mother/neonate protection by transfer specific antibodies generated by the mother during vaccination; he microchimerism phenomenon, where maternal immune cells travel to the fetus through from the placenta to instruct the developing fetal immune system; and the transfer of antibodies through breastfeeding, providing antibodies through breast milk that cover the baby’s mucosa, thus extending protection beyond the first months of life.
The goal of maternal immunization
The objective of maternal immunization is the specific protection of the newborn against highly susceptible pathogens in the first months of life. Maternal antibodies Vaccine-induced infections provide passive protection to the fetus and newborn against preventable diseases, particularly during the critical period represented by the first months of life, when the baby does not yet have the capacity to respond to the vaccines.
Maternal immunization is a highly efficient Public Health strategy for protect the mother, fetus and infant from certain infections and are one of the most effective preventive tools available today to also reduce your complications and sequelae.
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The role of the obstetrician in primary prevention
Recommendation of vaccination from an obstetrician-gynecologist or other health professional is a of the strongest influences for acceptance by women in different stages of life, so health teams have a great responsibility in what which refers to listening, support and guidance to promote vaccination and ensure acceptance of these preventive measures.
Additional recommendations
– Receive the recommended vaccines before or during pregnancy to protect both the mother as well as her baby.
– Mothers can provide indirect protection to their baby by ensuring that everyone around you is up to date on vaccinations, helping not only
their own health, but also to create a “cocoon” environment protected against diseases for the baby during the first months of life.
– Read and follow the recommendations given by the doctor about vaccines for Find out about the side effects that could occur.
