This is topic lyme Passing through the Placenta in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.


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Posted by carly (Member # 14810) on :
 
I know lyme can pass through the placenta, but it may not always happen.

Please know that when I say "lyme", I don't really know what I'm talking about. Lyme, co-infections, maybe any combination.

Any opinions on how likely it is that a dormant infection would be transferred to a fetus vs. how likely it would be that an active infection would be transferred to a fetus.

Thanks for your input.
Carly
 

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Posted by METALLlC BLUE (Member # 6628) on :
 
A dormant infection would be just as threatening to a fetus as a consequence of inadequate immune system function in the fetus.

Co-infections are passed to the fetus.
 

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Posted by toby67 (Member # 17143) on :
 
i'm a chronic case - i feel like i was born with it - and now my 10 yr old just tested positive-

doc says its 50/50 i gave it to him... i think i've been in and out of dormancy, but i felt great when i was pregnant with him.

i've always wondered if it's getting passed along during pregnancy with the rest of the gene pool.

I swear my whole family has been carrying it for generations!
 

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Posted by carly (Member # 14810) on :
 
Thanks, both of you.

Toby, my situation is similar to yours. I am coming to realize I have been carrying this infection much longer than I realized.

My 4 children have, thankfully, not shown any symptoms.

My concern is that a physical stress or illness will allow a dormant or latent infection in them to come to the surface.

I know it sounds paranoid, but that is how it happened for me, several times over the years.

I'm guessing from both metallic blue and toby's replies that you agree this may be possible.

Others' opinions? Thanks!

Carly
 

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Posted by carly (Member # 14810) on :
 
Anyone else?
 

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Posted by METALLlC BLUE (Member # 6628) on :
 
It is possible, however it's possible that any number of other things could happen too. It's a dangerous world, you can't protect them from everything, but it's important to be aware enough to be able to act if need be.

In my opinion, if a child isn't showing symptoms, develops normally, shows no unusual deficits and is active and a happy kid -- then there are far bigger concerns than Lyme, like how you're going to pay for their college education.
 

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Posted by carly (Member # 14810) on :
 


Thank you, metallic blue.

I guess it would be difficult to find out how to prevent congenital lyme in a 12 year old.

carly
 

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Posted by tickbattler (Member # 14873) on :
 
Thanks for this post...I have been wondering the same thing. I have recently tested positive, but believe I have had lyme for a long time. I did have some symptoms 4 years ago after delivering my twin boys.

My twin 4 year old boys have it but I know they were infected by tick bites since they had so many. However, my 2 year old daughter only had 2 tick larvae bites that I know of. I am afraid that I may have infected her through the pregnancy or breastfeeding, even though I was in remission at the time. She doesn't show many symptoms but I am still getting her tested and watching her closely.

Best,

tickbattler
 

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Posted by toby67 (Member # 17143) on :
 
my doc said i shouldn't panic and run to test my other children if they are not showing symptoms.

my oldest is 13, and so far, so good. but doc says puberty would probably tell all, since all the hormonal changes can make it rise to the surface

i think that's what happened to me. that's when i first remember symptoms around age 10...

i've had ups and lots of downs my whole life - no ryhme or reason, but i think the lyme really exploded due to stress of divorce and death of parent in same year,

so yeah, they might be carrying it, but it could stay dormant!
 

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Posted by METALLlC BLUE (Member # 6628) on :
 

quote:

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my oldest is 13, and so far, so good. but doc says puberty would probably tell all, since all the hormonal changes can make it rise to the surface

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