Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2025
The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
Impact of COVID-19 and Vaccination During Pregnancy on Placenta-Mediated Complications (COVIGRO Study)
Louise Ghesquiere1, Guy Boivin2, Brielle Demuth1
1Reproduction, Mother and Child Health Unit, Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC.
Insights
COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, even when symptomatic, did not impact adverse pregnancy outcomes or placental function markers in this study of vaccinated women. Fetal growth monitoring may not be necessary for mild COVID-19 cases.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Perinatology
Background:
- COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm birth (PTB) and preeclampsia (PE).
- Understanding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) infection and vaccination on pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal health.
- Placental function markers, such as placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), are important indicators of pregnancy complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of COVID-19 infection and vaccination on adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on placental function markers, including PlGF, sFlt-1, and uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI).
- To determine if COVID-19 vaccination influences pregnancy outcomes and placental health.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving 788 pregnant women recruited in early pregnancy (December 2020-December 2021).
- Data collection included questionnaires on COVID-19 and vaccination status, serological tests for SARS-CoV-2, maternal blood measurements of PlGF and sFlt-1, UtA-PI, and pregnancy outcomes (PTB, PE, fetal growth restriction).
Main Results:
- 13% of participants had symptomatic COVID-19 and 9% had asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Most infections occurred in women previously vaccinated or infected.
- Neither COVID-19 infection nor vaccination during pregnancy was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, abnormal fetal growth, altered sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, or elevated UtA-PI.
Conclusions:
- Mild symptomatic or asymptomatic COVID-19 during pregnancy does not appear to increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes or affect placental function markers in a predominantly vaccinated cohort.
- Routine fetal growth monitoring may not be necessary for pregnant individuals experiencing mild COVID-19 symptoms.
- These findings contribute to evidence-based guidelines for managing COVID-19 in pregnancy.
Objectives:
COVID-19 has been associated with preterm birth (PTB) and placental-mediated complications, including fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia (PE). This study aimed to estimate the impact of COVID-19 and vaccination on adverse pregnancy outcomes and markers of placental function.
Methods:
We performed a study on a prospective cohort of women recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy during the early COVID-19 pandemic period (December 2020 to December 2021). At each trimester of pregnancy, the assessment included a questionnaire on COVID-19 and vaccination status; serological tests for COVID-19 (for asymptomatic infection); measurement of placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) in maternal blood; measurement of mean uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI); and pregnancy outcomes (PTB, PE, birth weight below the fifth and the tenth percentile).
Results:
Among 788 patients with complete data, we observed 101 (13%) cases of symptomatic infection and 74 (9%) cases of asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2. Most cases (73%) of infection were among women with previous vaccination or COVID-19 infection before pregnancy. COVID-19 infection was not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, abnormal fetal growth, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, or mean UtA-PI. Vaccination during pregnancy did not influence these outcomes either. We observed no case of severe COVID-19 infection requiring respiratory support.
Conclusion:
Mild symptomatic or asymptomatic COVID-19 during pregnancy did not influence the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and the markers of placental function in predominantly vaccinated women. Fetal growth monitoring is unlikely to be mandatory in women with mild symptoms of COVID-19.
More Related Videos
05:31Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: January 26, 2024
09:04Comprehensive Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Placenta-Targeted Drug Delivery Using Three Complementary Methods
Published on: September 10, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
01:51Vaccinations
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
01:15Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...