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Generation COVID-19 - Should the foetus be worried?
Aysha Iqbal, Charlotte Burrin1, Ezra Aydin2
1School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|November 30, 2020
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic poses low direct risks to fetuses. However, indirect risks, such as maternal stress during lockdown, can significantly impact fetal brain development, leading to lifelong issues.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic presents potential risks to pregnant individuals and fetuses.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for maternal and child health.
- Pandemic-related factors like lockdown and healthcare changes may affect pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the direct and indirect risks to the fetus from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To synthesize current evidence on fetal exposure and maternal health impacts.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Defined direct risks as vertical transmission (congenital/intrapartum).
- Defined indirect risks as maternal infection sequelae and pandemic-induced maternal stress (social isolation, altered healthcare).
Main Results:
- Early data suggest low rates of vertical SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
- Maternal infection may impact fetal growth and development.
- Increased maternal stress during lockdown is linked to adverse fetal brain development, increasing risks for later mental health and behavioral disorders.
Conclusions:
- Direct risks of SARS-CoV-2 to the fetus appear low.
- Indirect effects of the pandemic, especially maternal stress, can have lasting detrimental impacts on fetal neurodevelopment.
- Long-term monitoring and support for children born during the pandemic are warranted.
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