About Maternal Foetal Diseases

Maternal-foetal diseases are conditions that can affect the development of a baby during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, it is especially important to be aware of potential health problems and take steps to manage them. Health conditions that occur during pregnancy can harm both the mother and the baby, before and after birth.

How does immunity relate maternal foetal diseases?

As part of a healthy immune system, our bodies regularly produce antibodies to fight off harmful bacteria or viruses. In some diseases, the body views something harmless as a threat and mistakenly attacks normal healthy cells instead of protecting them. This type of disease can affect anyone, including expecting mothers.

During some pregnancies, the body might produce a type of antibody called maternal antibodies (also called alloantibodies). If this happens, the maternal antibodies can mistake the growing baby as a ‘threat’ and attack inside the womb, potentially leading to serious complications.

As early as possible, seeing a specialist physician who has an expertise in maternal foetal diseases is essential to make sure any potential risks are assessed and closely monitored throughout the pregnancy. By having informed conversations during prenatal appointments, mothers can receive the right care and improve outcomes for themselves and their baby. Your healthcare team can assist you in finding a specialist healthcare professional with expertise in maternal-foetal diseases.

‘I think actually speaking with somebody right at the moment that you learn about this, and having somebody explain the situation to you, and explain what a plan might be, I think is very, very important’

Patient affected by Haemolytic Disease of the Foetus and Newborn (HDFN)

Explore our disease areas

Learn more about Haemolytic Disease of the Foetus and Newborn (HDFN)

Learn more about Foetal and Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (FNAIT)

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