COVID-19 in Pregnancy Linked to Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children
COVID-19 in pregnancy linked to higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children by age 3.
Why it matters
- Highlights risks of COVID-19 to fetal brain development.
- Emphasizes importance of preventing COVID-19 during pregnancy.
By the numbers
- 18,124 live births studied.
- 16.3% of children whose mothers had COVID-19 had neurodevelopmental disorders by age 3, compared to 9.7% of children whose mothers didn't.
- 29% higher odds of neurodevelopmental conditions in children whose mothers had COVID-19.
The big picture
- Adds to evidence that maternal infections during pregnancy can affect fetal brain development.
- Supports importance of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.
What they're saying
- Some see this as a reason to promote vaccination.
- Others express concern about their own experiences.
- Skepticism about whether other factors could explain the findings.
Caveats
- Overall risk remains low.
- Study was observational, can't prove causation.
- Study was done during peak COVID-19 window.
What’s next
- More research needed to confirm findings and understand mechanisms.