While early studies suggested potential links, major health organizations and recent extensive research indicate that COVID-19 does not directly cause congenital birth defects in babies, though infection during pregnancy can still pose risks like preterm birth or severe illness for the mother, with some evidence pointing to potential long-term issues like neural tube defects, but overall, routine placental crossing and harm to newborns are not established.
It may help to know that in most cases, the COVID-19 infection doesn't spread to the unborn baby. If you test positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms, your healthcare team will monitor you closely.
Researchers think that most birth defects are caused by a complex mix of factors, which can include:
COVID during pregnancy may alter brain development in boys
Boys born to mothers who got COVID-19 while pregnant seem to have a higher risk of subtle developmental delays, including those associated with autism spectrum disorder.
In particular, as CoV-2 neurotropism has been demonstrated in adults [6,7,8,9,10], some authors suggested a possible risk of fetal brain damage and fetal brain development impairment, with consequent psychiatric manifestations in offspring of mothers affected by COronaVIrus Disease (COVID) during pregnancy [11,12,13].
Children born to mothers who had COVID-19 while pregnant face an elevated risk of developmental disorders by the time they turn 3 years old, including speech delays, autism, motor disorders, and other developmental delays, according to new research by investigators at Mass General Brigham.
If you are pregnant and have tested positive to COVID-19, you should contact your maternity care providers, such as your doctor or midwife. They will be able to assess your condition and advise you on the best way to get your regular maternity care while you are isolating with COVID-19.
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
Maternal pregnancy complications-including gestational diabetes mellitus [5], maternal obesity [6], preeclampsia [7], and hypertension [8]-are linked to an elevated risk of ASD in offspring.
A new study suggests that protective antibodies can be transferred through the placenta, and the baby may receive more of them if a mother is infected with Covid earlier in her pregnancy.
The most common birth defect in the United States, a congenital heart defect results when the heart, or blood vessels near the heart, don't develop normally before birth. One in 110 babies are born with a CHD.
10 most common birth defects
Most birth defects happen in the first trimester of pregnancy, which ends at 13 weeks and 6 days since a person's LMP (last menstrual period). This is because the major structures of the body (including the heart, arms, legs, lips, and palate) form in the first trimester.
Five key warning signs during pregnancy needing immediate medical attention include vaginal bleeding, severe headaches with vision changes, decreased baby movement, severe abdominal pain/cramping, and signs of preterm labor like regular contractions or fluid leakage, as these can signal serious issues like miscarriage, preeclampsia, placental problems, or infection. Always contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care for these symptoms.
A few case studies have suggested that late second trimester miscarriages could be a complication of COVID-19 infection [26]. In another meta-analysis of 22 papers, 141 miscarriages in 8591 confirmed COVID-19 cases were examined. According to the study, 3.9% of COVID-19-infected women experienced an abortion [7].
What happens during labor and delivery if I test positive for COVID-19? If your test results are positive, your provider will discuss the plan of care for you and your baby. Staff will take extra precautions to maintain the safety of you and your baby to prevent any potential exposure.
For instance, research involving nearly 5 million birth records in California from 1992 to 2000 found that children with fathers over 40 were about 6 times more likely to have autism compared to those with fathers under 30. Similarly, children born to mothers aged 35 or older showed approximately a 40% increased risk.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
A 2022 study found that a routine second-trimester ultrasound could detect early signs of autism during pregnancy,18 including anomalies in the heart, head, and kidneys. These anomalies were found in 30% of fetuses who were later diagnosed with ASD, a three times higher rate than typical fetuses.
Additionally, inherited genetic variations contribute greatly. Research shows that both mothers and fathers can carry autism-related gene variants. Some of these are common variants that increase the risk of autism, while others are rare mutations causing more severe effects.
While the exact reasons are not yet clear, changes in how the disorder is defined, increases in screening, and more awareness certainly contribute to this increase. If you have any concerns about your child's development, speak to a healthcare professional about diagnostic tests.
We reviewed 36 studies examining maternal diet and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and found that prenatal vitamin/multivitamin use and adequate intake of folic acid and vitamin D were each associated with lower likelihood of having a child with ASD.
The risk for complications tends to be highest in the third trimester (beginning at 29 weeks). This is likely due to maximum lung compression in this stage of pregnancy. But the actual overall chance of having a severe complication during pregnancy due to COVID is still quite low.
Alcohol. There is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy. Whether you are planning a pregnancy or already pregnant, not drinking is the safest option. Alcohol can harm your unborn baby.
Abstract. SARS-CoV-2 can be vertically transmitted from the mother to the fetus and the neonate. This transmission route is rare compared to the environmental or horizontal spread and therefore, the risk can be deemed inconsequential by some medical providers.