Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 5, 2025
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
SARS-CoV-2 infection and neonates: Evidence-based data after 18 months of the pandemic
Carlo Pietrasanta1,2, Giacomo Artieri1,2, Andrea Ronchi1
1Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy.
Insights
Perinatal SARS-CoV-2 infection is possible but rare. Maternal COVID-19 impacts outcomes, but vaccination offers passive immunity to fetuses and newborns through antibody transfer.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has raised critical questions regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant individuals and newborns.
- Accumulating data over 18 months have begun to clarify the risks and implications of perinatal viral exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current evidence on SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women and neonates.
- To update understanding of vertical transmission, maternal/neonatal outcomes, clinical management, and protective immunity.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data and scientific literature on perinatal SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Analysis of evidence concerning viral transmission, clinical outcomes, and immunological responses.
Main Results:
- Vertical in utero transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is possible but appears to be rare.
- COVID-19 during pregnancy can adversely affect maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
- Clinical management guidelines for infected mother-infant dyads have evolved with new evidence.
- Maternal infection or vaccination facilitates antibody transfer, providing passive protection to fetuses and neonates.
Conclusions:
- While vertical transmission is uncommon, pregnant individuals with COVID-19 face risks.
- Evidence supports evolving clinical recommendations for managing perinatal SARS-CoV-2.
- Maternal immunization is a key strategy for protecting newborns against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Abstract:
After 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, data concerning SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women and their neonates are progressively taking the place of complete uncertainty. Here, we summarize updated evidence regarding several critical aspects of perinatal SARS-CoV-2 infection, including 1) vertical transmission of the virus in utero, which is possible but seems rare according to current epidemiological data; 2) how COVID-19 during pregnancy can shape maternal and neonatal outcomes, either directly or indirectly; 3) how recommendations regarding the management of infected dyads have been progressively modified in light of new scientific evidence; and 4) how maternal infection or vaccination can induce the passive protection of fetuses and neonates against the infection, through the transfer of specific antibodies before and after birth.
