Submitted by MaryGodfree t3_10iqoox in askscience
Supraspinator t1_j5i6h9n wrote
Short answer, yes.
Long answer: while in the womb, the mothers immune system protects the fetus. However, maternal rubella antibodies are also transmitted via the placenta to the fetus, protecting the baby after birth. The transfer increases towards the end of pregnancy, so preterm babies have lower levels, making them more vulnerable.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10378133/
There are other antibodies that are transferred to the fetus: measles, covid, diphtheria*, pertussis*, polio, chickenpox, and others.
*diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus requires the vaccination of the mother during pregnancy.
There is a term in German, Nestschutz - “nest protection” that refers to the passive protection babies have in their early months against some diseases. It wanes as the maternal antibodies degrade, requiring vaccines for the baby.
MaryGodfree OP t1_j5jazro wrote
Thank you.
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments