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The COVID-19 stress may influence on the sex ratio at birth

Amir Abdoli1,2

  • 1Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.

The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine : the Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians
|November 12, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public health

Background:

  • The sex ratio at birth (SRB) is typically 1.01-1.05, influenced by maternal stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruptors.
  • Male fetuses are more vulnerable to prenatal events and have higher mortality rates than female fetuses.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with significant psychological stress, potentially increasing maternal inflammation and pregnancy complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose and explore the potential impact of COVID-19-related stress on the sex ratio at birth (SRB).
  • To investigate if heightened maternal stress during the pandemic could lead to a decline in SRB.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a theoretical proposal based on existing knowledge of fetal vulnerability and pandemic-related stressors.
  • It synthesizes information on the biological vulnerability of male fetuses and the known psychological and physiological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant individuals.

Main Results:

  • Male fetuses exhibit greater susceptibility to prenatal adversities and infection outcomes.
  • COVID-19 stress may exacerbate maternal inflammation and increase the risk of fetal loss, particularly for male fetuses.
  • A potential decline in the sex ratio at birth (SRB) is hypothesized due to these factors.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic's stress may negatively impact the sex ratio at birth (SRB).
  • Male fetuses' increased vulnerability suggests a potential decline in SRB.
  • Further research is essential to empirically determine the effect of COVID-19 on SRB rates.

Keywords:
COVID-19Coronavirus disease 2019maternal inflammationmaternal stresssex ratio at birth

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