Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Babies of Mothers Who Had COVID-19 During Pregnancy

A recent JAMA Network Open study analyzed mothers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy and the neurodevelopmental outcomes, such as motor function and speech disorders, in their children at 12 months.

Out of 7,772 infants born in 2020, about 6% of babies whose mothers had a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test during pregnancy were diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder, compared to 3% of babies whose mothers did not, after accounting for prematurity and demographic factors.

However, the authors of this study encourage more comprehensive studies, as does a companion editorial.

“These preliminary findings suggest that COVID-19 exposure may be associated with neurodevelopmental changes and highlight the need for prospective investigation of outcomes in children exposed to COVID-19 in utero,” say the authors.

Other epidemiologic studies have established that viral infections during pregnancy are linked to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes such as autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, cerebral palsy, cognitive dysfunction, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Data from a study published in February's CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report suggest that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy provides substantial protection for mother and baby.

Compared to babies born to women who were not vaccinated during pregnancy, babies of mothers who received a two-dose mRNA vaccine during pregnancy were 61% less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 within the first 6 months of life.

This study offers the first real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can provide protection and keep infants safe.