Logan Reed
A newborn baby's immune system is not fully developed when they are born, making them vulnerable to infections and illnesses. Maternal antibodies are crucial in protecting newborns from germs in the outside world. These antibodies are shared with the baby through the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy and are also passed on to the baby through breast milk. Recent studies have found that babies born to mothers vaccinated against COVID-19 show higher levels of antibodies than those born to mothers who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection. This finding is significant in helping mothers understand the duration of the vaccine's protection and making informed decisions about vaccination during pregnancy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do babies born to vaccinated mothers have antibodies? | Yes, babies born to mothers vaccinated against COVID-19 have higher levels of antibodies. |
| How are antibodies passed on? | Antibodies are shared with the baby through the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy. |
| How long does the protection from the mother's antibodies last? | Maternal antibodies protect the baby for a few weeks or months after birth. |
| Can breastfeeding extend the protection from maternal antibodies? | Yes, breast milk contains antibodies and can help protect the baby from infections and diseases. |
| Are there any risks associated with maternal antibodies? | Maternal antibodies may inhibit the baby's response to vaccines, a phenomenon known as "immune blunting." However, the clinical relevance of this is not yet clear. |
| Are there other ways to protect newborns from diseases? | Vaccinating pregnant mothers or giving infants monoclonal antibodies can help protect newborns from diseases like R.S.V. |
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What You'll Learn
- Babies born to vaccinated mothers have higher COVID-19 antibody levels
- Antibodies are passed from mother to baby through the placenta
- Maternal antibodies protect newborns from germs for a few weeks or months
- Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune-boosting factors
- Vaccinating pregnant mothers can protect babies from RSV
Babies born to vaccinated mothers have higher COVID-19 antibody levels
A mother's immunity is crucial in protecting newborn babies, especially as infants are born with immature immune systems. Antibodies are passed on to the baby through the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy. These antibodies help to protect the baby from diseases and infections.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that babies born to mothers vaccinated against COVID-19 had the highest levels of COVID-19 antibodies. 98% of the studied infants born to vaccinated mothers had detectable levels of Immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most common antibody found in blood. At 6 months, 57% of these infants still had detectable IgG, compared to just 8% of infants born to infected mothers.
Dr. Yasaswi Kislovskiy, an obstetrician/gynecologist, commented on the findings: "When a person gets the vaccine during pregnancy, their immune system makes antibodies that circulate in the blood and then pass to the baby through the blood in the placenta. Baby keeps those antibodies in its blood even after birth, which is awesome."
Kislovskiy also encourages expectant mothers to get the vaccine: "I do recommend the vaccine for my patients. I care deeply about my patients and want to offer them the best care that medicine can provide. I remind patients that if they do feel a bit unwell after the vaccine, it is safe to use acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce symptoms."
In addition to antibodies passed on in utero, breastfeeding can further extend the time a baby is protected by their mother's immune system. Breast milk contains antibodies and other important factors such as bactericidal lactoferrin, which helps protect against infections without causing inflammation. Breastfeeding may also stimulate the baby's immune system, resulting in several long-term positive effects.
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Antibodies are passed from mother to baby through the placenta
A newborn baby's immune system is not fully developed at birth, making them more vulnerable to infections and illnesses. Antibodies are crucial in protecting newborns from diseases by fighting off infections. A mother's immunity is essential in shielding her newborn from these infections, and these antibodies are passed from mother to baby through the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy. This process is known as passive immunity, where the mother's antibodies are transferred to the baby. These antibodies help protect the baby from germs in the outside world during the first few weeks or months of life.
In the case of COVID-19, studies have shown that babies born to vaccinated mothers have higher levels of antibodies than those born to mothers who have recovered from COVID-19 infections. The antibodies generated by the vaccine appear to last longer than natural immunity. Specifically, 98% of infants born to vaccinated mothers had detectable levels of Immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most common antibody found in blood. At six months, 57% of these infants still had detectable IgG, compared to only 8% of infants born to infected mothers.
Additionally, breastfeeding can further extend the time a baby is protected by their mother's immune system. Breast milk contains antibodies and other factors such as bactericidal lactoferrin, which helps protect against infections without causing inflammation. Breastfeeding also encourages the development of critical components of a robust immune system, such as lymphocytes and cytokines. It may also have long-term positive effects on the baby's health.
While maternal antibodies provide initial protection for newborns, they can inhibit the effectiveness of a baby's response to vaccines. This phenomenon, known as "immune blunting," has been observed in studies on various vaccinations. However, the clinical relevance and impact of immune blunting are still subjects of debate.
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Maternal antibodies protect newborns from germs for a few weeks or months
A newborn baby's immune system is not fully developed when they are born, making them more vulnerable to infections and illnesses. Maternal antibodies protect newborns from germs for a few weeks or months. There are two ways to support a newborn baby's immune system until it is strong enough to fight off pathogens on its own: before birth, the mother's immunity protects the baby, and after birth, this protection lasts for a few weeks or months, shielding the baby from germs in the outside world.
Antibodies are made by specialist antibody-producing immune cells called B cells, which are found in our gastrointestinal tract and other tissues. Antibodies can be found in blood, saliva and other parts of the body. When a mother’s body is preparing for the birth of a baby, some of these antibody-producing cells travel to the breasts where they produce antibodies locally into the breast milk. All antibodies can have sugars bound to them. The types and amounts of these sugars vary depending on the part of the body the antibodies are in. We do not yet fully understand the significance of this, but the pattern of sugars associated with antibodies in breast milk probably supports them in promoting the baby’s wellbeing. For example, these factors might help the antibodies avoid being digested too quickly in the baby’s gastrointestinal tract.
Breast milk also contains other important factors like bactericidal lactoferrin, which helps protect against infections without causing inflammation. Some components of breast milk are directly anti-inflammatory, aiding the baby's ability to manage their immune response to specific germs. Breast milk can also protect against autoimmune conditions like celiac disease and certain allergies. Breastfeeding actively encourages the development of critical elements of a strong immune system, such as lymphocytes and cytokines. Studies have shown that breastfed babies, especially those breastfed by vaccinated mothers, experience fewer infections and recover more quickly than formula-fed babies.
Additionally, maternal antibodies have been shown to inhibit the effectiveness of a baby's response to vaccines. This is known as "immune blunting" and refers to the dampening effect of maternal antibodies on the baby's ability to produce antibodies of their own after vaccination. This phenomenon has been observed in studies on tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, influenza, measles, and mumps vaccinations. The impact of immune blunting is still a subject of debate, and the clinical relevance is not yet clear.
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Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune-boosting factors
Breast milk is widely considered the most optimal food for infants. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for babies for at least the first six months after birth and advise continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or beyond while introducing complementary foods.
Breast milk is rich in microbiota and immune components, including antibodies, vitamins, probiotic bacteria, and various cells and their derivatives. These components work together to ensure infants are protected against numerous diseases and support the maturation of their developing immune system.
The first milk produced by mothers, known as colostrum, is particularly high in immune components and antibodies. Breast milk-derived antibodies are produced in response to pathogenic or non-pathogenic stimulation of mucosa. These antibodies have been shown to offer many benefits to babies, including reducing the risk of middle ear infections, respiratory tract infections, and colds and flu.
In addition to antibodies, breast milk contains other immune-boosting factors. For example, breast milk contains innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) that guard against breast infection by pathogens and may shape neonatal innate immunity. Breast milk also contains various cytokines, primarily originating from the mammary glands, which contribute to the immune response.
The presence of antibodies and other immune-boosting factors in breast milk highlights its importance in providing immediate protection from illness and setting infants up for a lifetime of good health.
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Vaccinating pregnant mothers can protect babies from RSV
The CDC recommends a single dose of the maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer's Abrysvo) for pregnant women to protect their babies from severe RSV disease. Vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective and passes protection to the baby. The ideal time for pregnant women to receive the vaccine is from September through January in most of the U.S., which is 1-2 months before the anticipated start of the RSV season. This way, the baby will have immediate protection against RSV at birth, which will last for their first RSV season.
Babies born to mothers vaccinated against COVID-19 also show the highest antibody levels. Vaccinating pregnant women can therefore not only protect babies from RSV but also COVID-19. A study found that 98% of studied infants born to vaccinated mothers had detectable levels of Immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most common antibody found in blood. At 6 months, 57% of these infants still had detectable IgG, compared to just 8% born to infected mothers.
If a pregnant woman has already received an RSV vaccine during a previous pregnancy, the CDC does not recommend another dose during subsequent pregnancies. Instead, the baby should receive a long-acting antibody after birth, such as nirsevimab or clesrovimab.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, babies born to mothers vaccinated during pregnancy have antibodies against COVID-19 in their blood.
Mothers pass on antibodies to their babies through the placenta during the last three months of pregnancy, which provides the baby with passive immunity. Antibodies can also be passed on to newborns through breast milk.
No, it is not yet known how long antibodies will last in babies born to vaccinated mothers.
Babies born to mothers who had COVID-19 during pregnancy can also get antibodies, but they are more likely to have antibodies if their mother was vaccinated.
Yes, mothers can pass on antibodies from other vaccines such as the flu vaccine and the whooping cough vaccine.
