Which statement is true regarding maternal antibodies?

Maternal antibodies are crucial in providing immediate protection to infants, particularly during the first months of life. These antibodies are transferred from the mother to the fetus through the placenta during pregnancy and through breast milk after birth. This transfer creates a form of passive immunity, which helps protect the newborn from infections by neutralizing pathogens and preventing disease.

This immediate protection is particularly important because infants have an immature immune system and may not be able to produce their own antibodies rapidly in response to infections. Maternal antibodies can help bridge the gap until the infant's immune system matures and can begin to produce its own antibodies in response to vaccines and infections.

The other statements do not accurately represent the nature of maternal antibodies: they are not long-lasting, as their levels decline over time; they are produced by the mother during pregnancy and not after birth; and while they are effective against certain viral infections, their efficacy varies depending on the specific pathogen and timing of exposure.