30th June 2023

Immune system and infectious diseases

To allow the pregnancy to continue, there is a change in the immune system from cellular (Th-1 mediated) to humoral (Th-2) mediated. These changes can have a positive impact on certain autoimmune diseases but result in a relatively immune-deficient state.

In the UK, women in the first trimester are screened for HIV, Hepatitis B, and syphilis.