New Study Reveals Increased Risk of Respiratory Distress in Babies Born to Mothers with COVID-19 During Pregnancy
In a new study published in Nature Communications, researchers have found that babies born to mothers who contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy are three times more likely to develop serious breathing problems compared to infants whose mothers did not have the disease. Even if the infants themselves were not infected, they still faced an increased risk of respiratory distress. This finding highlights yet another way in which the virus poses a threat to pregnant individuals and their babies.
Respiratory distress is a severe complication that can be life-threatening for babies, often requiring hospitalization in intensive care units and the use of additional oxygen or ventilators. The study revealed that 17 percent of babies exposed to COVID-19 before birth developed respiratory distress, compared to only about 5 to 6 percent of newborns in the general population before the pandemic. Although none of the babies in the study died, they were sick for an average of 24 days. The long-term effects of this condition on the infants remain unknown.
Traditionally, respiratory distress is commonly seen in premature babies with underdeveloped lungs. However, this study found that even full-term infants were at a higher risk of developing breathing problems if their mothers had COVID-19 during pregnancy. Karin Nielsen, the senior author of the study and a professor of pediatrics specializing in infectious diseases at the University of California, Los Angeles, explains that this discovery adds another layer of concern regarding the impact of the virus.
Sean O’Leary, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases, who was not involved in the study, emphasizes that even after four years since the emergence of the virus, scientists are still uncovering new information about its effects. He states, “It’s just one more thing to worry about with this mysterious virus.”
However, there is some positive news from the study. The researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant individuals provided significant protection to their babies. Infants whose mothers received at least one dose of an mRNA vaccine were 67 percent less likely to experience serious breathing problems compared to those whose mothers were unvaccinated. Although relatively few pregnant women in the study received two doses of the vaccine before giving birth, previous research suggests that multiple doses may offer even better protection against newborn respiratory distress.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant individuals. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study revealed that 65 percent of pregnant women in the United States had received at least one vaccine dose, while 59 percent had completed both doses in the primary series, and 27 percent had received a bivalent booster.
Studies have shown that vaccination during pregnancy allows individuals to pass on protective antibodies to their infants, safeguarding them for at least six months. Kevin Ault, a professor and chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, explains that this transfer of antibodies provides additional protection to newborns.
While the study had limitations, including a small sample size and the fact that the mothers and babies received treatment at a large university hospital with access to advanced care, its rigorous design makes the findings significant. The researchers not only observed what happened to babies with respiratory distress but also delved into the mechanisms behind the condition.
A molecular analysis of proteins in the babies’ blood revealed abnormalities in the regulation of cilia, hairlike structures in the respiratory tract responsible for clearing microbes and particles from airways. The analysis also showed high levels of antibodies associated with wheezing, allergies, and breathing problems. This suggests that babies exposed to COVID-19 in the womb experience an “inflammatory cascade,” where one type of immune protein activates others, leading to respiratory distress. Karin Nielsen explains that while a well-regulated immune response can neutralize viruses and keep individuals healthy, an overactive immune system can cause harm.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant individuals to protect both themselves and their babies. Linda Yancey, director of infection prevention at the Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, emphasizes that COVID-19 is still a present threat, with pregnant individuals being hospitalized during the winter. The study serves as a reminder that the virus has not disappeared and continues to pose risks to pregnant individuals and their infants.
As scientists continue to uncover new information about the effects of COVID-19, it is crucial for pregnant individuals to prioritize their health and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their babies. Vaccination remains a key tool in mitigating the risks associated with the virus, offering hope for a safer future for pregnant individuals and their newborns.
