The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy on Infant Growth
A new study published in the journal Pediatrics has shed light on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy on infant growth. The study analyzed data from 24,000 infants born to mothers with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and compared them to a control group of infants born to mothers without infection.
The results of the study showed that infants born to mothers with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy had a lower birth weight and a smaller head circumference compared to infants born to mothers without infection. The researchers also found that these infants were more likely to be born preterm and to require admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
According to the lead author of the study, Dr. Amanda Thompson, an associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, “Our study adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy can have negative effects on infant growth and health.”
The researchers also found that the negative effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on infant growth were more pronounced in mothers who were symptomatic or had severe disease. Infants born to mothers with severe disease were more likely to be small for gestational age, have a lower birth weight, and require admission to the NICU.
Dr. Thompson emphasized the importance of vaccination and other preventative measures for pregnant women. She said, “Our findings underscore the importance of preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy through vaccination and other public health measures, as well as the need for close monitoring of infants born to mothers with confirmed or suspected infection.”
The study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy can have negative effects on infant growth and health, particularly in mothers who are symptomatic or have severe disease. Pregnant women are encouraged to take preventative measures, such as vaccination, to protect themselves and their infants from the negative effects of the virus. Healthcare professionals should also closely monitor infants born to mothers with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy.