New Research Highlights Health Risks of COVID-19 During Pregnancy

A large study from Massachusetts General Hospital indicates that babies born to mothers who had COVID-19 during pregnancy may be at a slightly increased risk for neurodevelopmental diagnoses by age three.

These findings, published by Kaiser Health News, reveal that about five percent of mothers had COVID during their pregnancies, and their children were modestly more likely to experience speech or motor delays.

The research analyzed medical records from over 18,000 mothers and their children, born between March 2020 and May 2021, a period before vaccines were widely available to pregnant women. While the increase in risk is small for any individual child, the sheer number of pregnancies during the pandemic means that even a small increase is significant.

The study highlights that the link was strongest in boys and particularly pronounced when mothers contracted the virus in the third trimester. This period is critical as it involves rapid brain development with millions of neural connections being formed.

Researchers, including Andrea Edlow, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, suggest that maternal infections can lead to inflammation that disrupts brain growth, a phenomenon previously observed with other illnesses.

Although the study shows an association, it does not prove causation; various factors could contribute to developmental delays, such as maternal health issues like obesity or diabetes. Experts emphasize the need for larger and longer-term studies to clarify the extent of risks associated with COVID infection during pregnancy.

Importantly, the study does not address the impacts of vaccination, but prior research indicates that COVID vaccines are safe for pregnant women. Studies from Scotland and the U.S. found no developmental differences between children born to vaccinated and unvaccinated mothers.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends vaccination to protect both mother and child. This underscores the importance of preventing infections during pregnancy, as maternal health is directly linked to offspring health.

The findings echo historical research linking prenatal factors to long-term health outcomes, reinforcing the idea that maternal health during pregnancy can shape a child's development. The implications of this research are crucial for public health guidance and maternal care.