Immunoglobulin during pregnancy

A woman’s body undergoes numerous changes during pregnancy in order to safeguard and nourish the growing child. The immune system, which aids in the defense against infections and preservation of general health, is a crucial component in this process. Immunoglobulin use is occasionally advised by medical professionals to assist the immune system during this unique period.

The blood’s immunoglobulins are proteins that are essential to the body’s defense against dangerous bacteria and viruses. Pregnant women may be given these proteins when necessary to strengthen their immunity, particularly in situations where the body’s defenses may need additional assistance.

This article will define immunoglobulins, discuss their potential prenatal use, and discuss how they can support a mother’s and baby’s safe and healthy pregnancy. Expectant mothers can feel more confident about their health decisions and at ease knowing their role.

What is it?

An antibody known as immunoglobulin is one that has been extracted, processed, and specially purified from donor blood. The production of antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, occurs in the human body in reaction to an infection that enters the body. The human immune system has the capacity to produce its own immunoglobulins for each protein antigen. These antibodies serve to defend the body against a particular pathogen by assisting killer cells in eliminating the danger. Different immunoglobulins exist, such as antitoxic antibodies and those that fight infections and parasites. Immunoglobulins, an anti-Rhesus vaccine, and an anti-rabies vaccine Immunoglobulin provides protection for both the mother and the child.

Human immunoglobulin is a broad-spectrum medication that can help a woman conceive a child in the event of a Rh conflict while she is immunocompromised.

Injection solutions containing immunoglobulin are accessible. It is used to place drips and administer injections only in hospitals; these are not administered at home.

Consequences for the fetus

Immunoglobulin use during pregnancy is not forbidden, although using them during pregnancy is advised to be cautious according to the usage guidelines. This implies that before prescribing immunoglobulins, the physician must carefully consider all the risks and benefits. The pregnant woman does not require medication based on purified antibodies if she is in good health and the pregnancy is developing normally. In the event that the expectant mother and her family need to administer immunoglobulin, they immediately ask themselves, "How will this affect the child?" In our nation, immunoglobulins were first given to expectant mothers in the early 1990s, and thus far, researchers have not discovered any negative effects on the developing fetus.

Every immunoglobulin medication is a naturally occurring part of human blood plasma. Once administered, antibodies readily pass through the placental barrier. The drug is rapidly absorbed by the infant from the mother’s blood. This is the process by which a passive defense system against infections and other dangers develops for the unborn child. Notable examples include the ability of human immunoglobulin to shield a child from infections that not even his mother has experienced. Immunoglobulin has not been found to have any negative effects on a child’s body by medical professionals. Only the mother may experience side effects; no actual adverse cases for the unborn child have been documented in the scientific literature.

During pregnancy, immunoglobulin is essential for both the mother’s and the unborn child’s protection, particularly when the mother’s immune system requires additional assistance. In situations such as Rh incompatibility, where the mother’s body may react to the baby’s blood cells, this treatment can help avoid complications. It’s an essential tool in contemporary prenatal care because it guarantees a safer pregnancy and lowers the risk of certain immune-related issues.

Indications for use

If the expectant mother has come into contact with sick individuals, serum against an infectious disease may be given immediately at any time; this includes in the event of a measles, rubella, etc. outbreak. d. In other situations, you shouldn’t automatically assume that a pregnant woman who has a cold or runny nose requires assistance.

Immunoglobulin should be prescribed for more compelling reasons.

• the pregnant woman suffers from autoimmune diseases or immunodeficiency (we are not talking about weakened immunity, but about specific diseases, such as HIV, AIDS and other diseases in which certain immune factors are impaired or absent);
• it is necessary to carry out emergency prophylaxis against meningococcus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A;
• for the prevention of rubella in the first trimester of pregnancy in the early stages, if the woman does not have antibodies to this disease in the blood or the immune status of the expectant mother is unknown.

Normal human immunoglobulin is injected intravenously under specific circumstances:

• the woman has blood diseases;
• the pregnant woman suffers from Kawasaki disease;
• the expectant mother suffers from Guillain-Barré syndrome;
• in thrombocytopenic purpura and multiple sclerosis, as well as in primary immunodeficiency;
• in HIV;
• in all infections caused by parvovirus B19;
• in severe and extremely severe forms of viral, bacterial and toxic diseases, such as severe chickenpox;
• in all diseases that last a long time and are difficult or do not respond to antibiotic treatment.
• in case of miscarriage.

Anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin is given to a child whose father has a positive Rh factor in order to prevent the serious effects of Rh-conflict between a mother with a negative Rh factor and her child. There are unique anti-Rho (D) antibodies in this serum. This medication is only administered intramuscularly; drip or intravenous administration are not offered. The following are the justifications for administration:

• during the first pregnancy of a woman with RH (-) from a Rh-positive partner and immediately after childbirth;
• after spontaneous termination of pregnancy or abortion in women with RH (-);
• after the elimination of an ectopic or frozen pregnancy;
• with a high titer of antibodies in the blood, indicating the onset of an active immune conflict between the mother and the fetus due to the Rh factor;
• after amniocentesis against the background of a difference in the Rh factor of the mother and the fetus;
• after a fall, receiving blunt abdominal trauma.

When they do?

When the aforementioned signs are present, anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin is usually given to prevent sensitization between weeks 28 and 30 of pregnancy. If the newborn’s Rh factor is confirmed to be positive, the medication is also given within 72 hours of delivery.

When a miscarriage occurs, normal human immunoglobulin is given either during the conception cycle or in the initial weeks following a positive pregnancy test. The medication can be given later at any other time, based on indications.

Physicians attempt to avoid using these procedures unless absolutely necessary for the patient while she is pregnant, carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages.

Antibody preparations need to be brought to room temperature before being administered. If an IV is used, it is injected very slowly to prevent a pseudo-allergic reaction; if immunoglobulins are injected quickly, these outcomes are regrettably possible. Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to split the dosage into two to three intravenous bags and administer it in multiple doses. The doctor will determine the best course of action in each case, including the mode of administration and dosage.

Contraindications

Injecting immunoglobulin preparations is not advised at any point during pregnancy if the woman has a history of allergies to these preparations or if she has a high individual sensitivity to them.

When giving purified antibodies to expectant mothers who have severe heart failure, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, or gestational diabetes, extreme caution must be used. If such women need the medication, it is given, but with different dosages and more care.

If antibodies suggesting the beginning of a conflict have already been found in the pregnant woman’s blood, anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin is not given; in this situation, the vaccination is no longer helpful and treatment is required to lessen the effects of sensitization.

Side effects

Most of the time, immunoglobulin is introduced to expectant mothers and is well tolerated with no negative side effects. The body temperature may rise slightly in certain situations, reaching a maximum of 37.5 degrees. Dizziness and headache, nausea, diarrhea, blood pressure changes, dyspnea, and injection site redness are observed in one case out of every 100 injections. Muscle soreness, cramps, chills, and increased sweating are even less frequent. Responses to vaccinations with anaphylactic shock are relatively uncommon; these cases are isolated.

The expectant mother needs to be under medical supervision for 30 minutes following the injection, even though most pregnant women tolerate it well. Anti-shock medication ought to be on hand in the event that a rare adverse reaction occurs.

Names and price

Aside from "Normal human immunoglobulin," one of the analogues, such as "Gamunex," "Intraglobin," "Immunovenin," or "Pentaglobin," as well as "Gamimun H," "Gabriglobin," G," or "Gabriglobin-IgG," may be given.

Regular human immunoglobulin is the least expensive medication. The cost per injection is approximately one thousand rubles, whereas "Immunovenin" and "Imbioglobulin" range from three to five thousand rubles. "Gabriglobin-IgG" is thought to be the priciest; it costs up to 7,000 rubles.

The price of immunoglobulin against Rhesus is the same. But a woman doesn’t have to be concerned. The truth is that these medications are centralized in medical facilities, and if necessary, pregnant patients receive the injection at no cost to them.

It is challenging to determine which medication is superior because they all have roughly the same effect and makeup but come from different manufacturers.

For some women, immunoglobulin therapy can be a crucial component of prenatal care, providing protection when necessary. It supports healthy immune system operation, particularly when complications or Rh incompatibility are possible.

It’s critical that you heed your doctor’s advice when using immunoglobulins. They will evaluate your unique requirements and offer suggestions based on your particular situation.

Expectant mothers can make informed decisions that will benefit both their health and the health of their unborn child by learning about the function of immunoglobulins and remaining knowledgeable.

Video on the topic

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