Recent research indicates that children whose mothers contracted the coronavirus during pregnancy face a heightened risk of autism and various developmental issues, including language and motor delays. This study was published on Thursday and involved an analysis from Massachusetts General Hospital.
In total, researchers examined over 18,000 births to women who tested positive for COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and May 31, 2021. Notably, this investigation took place before COVID-19 vaccines became broadly accessible, resulting in many women remaining unvaccinated.
The findings reveal that expecting mothers who contracted COVID-19 are 29% more likely to have children with neurodevelopmental disorders, even after accounting for other risk factors.
Of the 861 women who tested positive for the virus during pregnancy, around 140—just over 16%—gave birth to children who were anticipated to receive a neurodevelopmental diagnosis by age three. In contrast, less than 10% of children born to mothers who tested negative for the virus received such a diagnosis.
The study also highlighted that boys appear to be more vulnerable than girls to the risks posed by maternal COVID-19 infection, particularly if the infection occurs during the third trimester. However, the authors emphasized that the overall likelihood of receiving a developmental disorder diagnosis remains quite low.
Andrea Edlow, the lead author and a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Brigham, explained that these results underscore the risks that COVID-19, similar to other infections during pregnancy, can pose not only to mothers but also to the developing brains of their babies. She noted the significance of preventing COVID-19 infections during pregnancy, especially in light of declining public confidence in vaccines.
This year, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism towards vaccines, stated he would no longer endorse COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy pregnant women. Kennedy has previously made claims linking vaccines to autism, even though substantial evidence refutes these assertions.
COVID-19 has resulted in over 1 million deaths in the past five years, and annual vaccinations are recommended as a preventive strategy. Yet, vaccination rates have declined, with some officials suggesting that the vaccine offers little benefit or could even harm individuals.
Current federal vaccine advisors now advocate that all Americans, independent of their risk factors, consult their healthcare providers about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Earlier this year, Kennedy and the Department of Health and Human Services initiated an investigation into the ‘autism epidemic’ causes. Additionally, in September, President Trump held a press conference involving Kennedy and other health officials, where he warned that using Tylenol during pregnancy is linked to a “very high risk” of autism and announced plans for the FDA to label warnings on the medication.
Lydia Shook, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and another study leader, stressed the importance of parents recognizing the potential adverse impacts of COVID-19 infections during pregnancy on their children’s neurodevelopment. She noted that understanding these risks empowers parents to seek the necessary evaluations and support for their children.
