Study reveals how the early days of mother-provided immunity work, and what this could mean for preventing death and disability for a wide range of infectious diseases. The findings could allow for the development of new therapies and improved vaccines that mimic the elevated maternal antibodies.
Depression during pregnancy can directly influence the development of the immune system in children. Children whose mothers reported symptoms of prenatal depression had lower levels of immunoglobulin A in their guts. Lower immunity placed babies at risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, as well as allergies and asthma. Additionally, children may face an increased risk of depression, obesity, and autoimmune diseases as they age.