Question

The parents of a newborn child are concerned about bringing the baby home to a household of relatives with various illnesses. For how many weeks can the obstetrical nurse tell the parents that their child is protected by the mother's immunoglobulins?

1) 8 to 12 weeks
2) Under one week
3) 1 to 3 weeks
4) 4 to 7 weeks

Answer 1

A newborn child is generally protected by the mother's IgG antibodies for up to six months after birth due to natural passive immunity. Secretory IgA in breast milk also contributes to this protection, particularly in the first days of life through colostrum. Medical interventions such as RhoGAM can offer additional protection from specific conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question addresses the duration for which a newborn child is protected by the mother's immunoglobulins, which are critical elements of the natural passive immunity a baby receives. During fetal development and immediately after birth, a baby acquires passive immunity through the transfer of IgG antibodies from the mother's blood via the placenta and secretory IgA from breast milk. The placental transfer of IgG provides important passive immune defense for the infant, offering protection for up to six months after birth. Additionally, colostrum, which is secreted in the first few days postpartum, is rich with immunoglobulins that confer immunity to the newborn as they adjust to a nonsterile environment. Furthermore, naturally acquired passive immunity may also be enhanced by medical interventions such as the administration of RhoGAM, which can temporarily prevent the development of Rh antibodies in the Rh-negative mother to protect the Rh-positive fetus.