During pregnancy, the mother's immune system is weaker than usual. How does this affect the fetus? To learn more about this issue, please read the following article of aFamilyToday Health!
A new study at Stanford University in California, published in the journal Science Immunology, has shed light on how the human immune system changes during pregnancy. In this study, scientists built a model to show how a woman's immune cells change during pregnancy months. They also conducted a similar study with premature women to identify specific changes in the immune system to recognize the early warning signs of preterm birth.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says premature babies before the 37th week of pregnancy are the cause of the death of children under 5 years old. In 2015, the number of deaths under the age of 5 reached nearly 1 million. In the US, the rate of preterm birth is 10%. Around the world, the number of premature babies is increasing. Survivors may face lifelong complications.
For many years, the course of pregnancy is compared with transplantation. Scientists believe that the mother's immune system must suppress during pregnancy to prevent the body from rejecting the fetus. At the site of embryo transplantation into the mother's womb, the researchers found the presence of a range of immune cells.
These cells are assumed to be "fighting" foreign embryonic cells that are attacking the body and embryonic cells try to suppress the immune response. The fight continues throughout the pregnancy. If embryo transplantation to the uterus is unsuccessful, a miscarriage or preterm birth is thought.
In order for the embryo to develop, some immune cells enter the lining of the uterus. This can lead to inflammation similar to wound healing. If inflammation cannot occur, transplant cannot proceed.
The anti-inflammatory environment takes place during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The next 15 weeks is when the embryo develops rapidly. At this point, the anti-inflammatory cells and molecules will prevail.
Normally, the mother's immune system attacks foreign cells. T cells (Tregs) are a special form of white blood cells that promote an anti-inflammatory environment and protect embryonic cells.
During the late stages of pregnancy, the immune system turns into an anti-inflammatory state. If this doesn't happen, the pregnant mother cannot give birth. Preterm birth is associated with an abnormal immune system.
In addition, scientists believe that the mother's gut bacteria also affect the immune system. Probiotics play an important role not only in fetal development but also through the placenta.
Viruses inactivate interactions between the immune system and bacteria. This puts the mother at risk of infection. In addition, exposure to certain toxins in the mother also leads to preterm birth.
In fact, about 40% of premature babies become infected. Doctors believe that bacterial infection during pregnancy increases the risk of schizophrenia, autism, and future allergies. Infections are not passed directly from the mother, the degree of infection also increases in cases.
Hopefully with the above information, you will have more useful knowledge about the mother's immune system during pregnancy . Wish you have safe and healthy pregnancy!
Prenatal vitamins can worsen nausea, especially on an empty stomach. Learn practical timing and food adjustments, safer options to discuss, and when to call your pregnancy care team.
Nighttime leg cramps are common in pregnancy, but their exact cause is often unclear. Learn likely contributors, safe relief steps, and warning signs that need prompt care.
Pack a small hospital bag with the essentials, protect important medical aids, and check which items your hospital provides or restricts.
Learn when pregnancy swelling can wait for routine discussion, when to call maternity care the same day, and which symptoms need emergency help now.
Ease pregnancy heartburn with smaller meals, smart timing, and pregnancy-aware medication advice—without cutting nutritious foods or skipping prenatal supplements.
Help older children adjust to a new baby with honest, age-appropriate conversations, optional ways to join in, steady routines, and space for mixed feelings.
Try pregnancy-safe pillow positioning and gentle turning strategies for hip pain at night, and learn when persistent pain or other symptoms need medical care.
Morning sickness can ease and return as pregnancy symptoms fluctuate. Learn common triggers, practical steps, and when nausea or vomiting needs medical attention.
Fetal movement can feel different as pregnancy progresses, but a clear change in your baby’s usual pattern needs prompt attention. Learn what may affect what you feel and when to call.
Build a flexible birth plan by comparing pain relief, birth setting, support, and newborn care—and writing backup preferences for an unpredictable labor.
