Antibody levels refer to the concentration of specific antibodies in the blood, and when a patient is pregnant, those levels are more likely to fluctuate.
Antibodies are typically produced in response to antigens, which are typically recognized as foreign by the body. Antibodies are then deployed to neutralize the threat of these antigens.
Testing for antibodies can help detect abnormalities and diseases like fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT).
Detecting signs of underlying disease
Antibodies, in normal circumstances, target foreign substances that can cause harm to the body. However, antibodies sometimes malfunction and start attacking healthy cells in the body, or in the case of pregnancy, healthy cells in the fetus.
In FNAIT, maternal antibodies attack the platelets of the fetus. Platelets are needed by the body to stem bleeding; without them, even minor bleeds can continue for a prolonged period of time. The most severe complication of FNAIT is bleeding in the brain, which can be fatal.
Learn more about FNAIT causes and risk factors
If your OB-GYN detects FNAIT or another abnormality, the entire course of your pregnancy will be closely monitored to prevent any complications. The goal is to ensure the health of the mother and her fetus, the safe delivery of the baby and the administration of appropriate therapies to the infant after birth.
What causes levels to fluctuate?
Fluctuations in antibody levels during pregnancy can typically be caused by a number of factors. Benign causes may include increases in maternal blood volume, which may dilute the antibody concentration in your blood. In addition, hormonal changes, such a normal rise in estrogen, can also cause fluctuations.
Your antibody levels may spike if you suffer from an infection during pregnancy. This is your immune system mounting a defense of your own body and that of your fetus. Speaking about the immune system, during pregnancy significant changes may occur. Essentially, your body needs to not recognize your fetus as foreign and inadvertently cause antibodies to attack it.
If you have pre-existing autoimmune conditions, it is likely that you will experience some fluctuations in your antibodies. Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which the body incorrectly identifies parts of itself as foreign, resulting in self-destruction. If you have a pre-existing autoimmune disorder, make sure to let your OB-GYN know so that they can prescribe you therapies that are safe to take during pregnancy.
Anything that affects your immune system may cause changes in your antibody concentrations. For example, if you received vaccinations during pregnancy, it is likely that some antibody fluctuations may be detected. Therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulins may also elicit a change. Latent infections, such as herpes simplex virus, may be reactivated during pregnancy, causing the body to mount an antibody response.
Consider asking your doctor about testing options
Most of the time, minor fluctuations in antibody levels should not elicit too much concern. However, if these fluctuations indicate an underlying condition like FNAIT, strong precautionary measures must be taken throughout pregnancy to ensure your safety and that of your child.
If you have any questions about antibody tests, consider speaking with your OB-GYN and asking about your testing options.
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