A research team from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston analyzed data from thousands of births that took place during the peak of the pandemic, and discovered that women who were infected during pregnancy were significantly more likely, albeit modestly, to give birth to children who were later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental problems.
While these findings are not conclusive, they raise important questions about the long-term effects of maternal infections during pregnancy. The researchers, in their paper published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, also emphasized "the importance of long-term neurodevelopmental monitoring of children exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in utero."
It is scientifically established that the coronavirus poses a greater risk to pregnant women, as previous studies have shown that pregnant women are more susceptible to severe infections, while their babies may face an increased risk of premature birth and other complications. However, this study goes further, focusing on the possibility that a coronavirus infection during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism in the child.
Autism is a complex condition that typically arises from a combination of different factors, including genetics. However, previous research has also suggested a link between certain maternal infections—including fever—and an increased risk of autism in children.
The study included an analysis of data from more than 18,000 women who gave birth within the Massachusetts General Hospital Health Care System between March 2020 and May 2021. Of these, approximately 860 babies were born to mothers who tested positive for COVID-19 during pregnancy.
Compared to children of mothers who were not infected, these children showed significantly higher rates of being diagnosed with autism or other neurodevelopmental problems, such as speech delay, by the age of three.
After accounting for all other influencing factors, the researchers found that exposure to COVID-19 during pregnancy was associated with a 29% increased risk of children developing neurodevelopmental conditions. This risk was even more pronounced in two cases: when mothers contracted the infection during the third trimester of pregnancy, and when the children were male.
It is important to note that this study is observational, meaning it cannot establish a direct causal link between maternal COVID-19 infection and autism in children. The researchers also emphasize that the additional risk associated with COVID-19 remains relatively small. However, they still advise pregnant women to minimize their risk of infection, especially given the growing body of evidence on how viral infections can affect pregnancy and children.
Dr. Andrea Idlow, a professor specializing in maternal-fetal medicine, commented: "These findings highlight that COVID-19, like many other infections during pregnancy, may pose risks not only to the mother, but also to the development of the fetal brain."
It also supports the importance of trying to prevent coronavirus infection during pregnancy, which is particularly relevant given the decline in public confidence in vaccines - including the coronavirus vaccine."
Although COVID-19 no longer poses the same threat as before, the virus is still present. This study underscores the need for further research to understand the potential link between COVID-19 infection and autism—especially since high fever, a major symptom of COVID-19, is a known risk factor for autism during pregnancy.
While awaiting this research, the most important advice remains to adhere to preventive measures and obtain approved vaccines.
