COVID-19 Exposure During Pregnancy Linked to Increased Neurodevelopmental Risk in Young Children
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A new study reveals that maternal COVID-19 infection may subtly alter fetal brain development, perhaps increasing the risk of speech delays, autism, and motor disorders in children by age three.
New research from mass General Brigham suggests a link between COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and a heightened risk of neurodevelopmental conditions in offspring. The findings, published in Obstetrics & Gynecology on October 30, 2025, underscore the importance of preventative measures, including vaccination, during pregnancy.
The Emerging Link Between COVID-19 and Fetal Brain Development
Investigators at Mass General Brigham analyzed data from over 18,000 births during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic – between March 2020 and May 2021 – to assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on child neurodevelopment. The study examined 18,124 mother-child pairs,seeking correlations between maternal infection status and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
“these findings highlight that COVID-19, like many other infections in pregnancy, may pose risks not only to the mother but to fetal brain development,” stated a senior author of the study, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist at Mass General Brigham. The researcher emphasized the need to protect expectant mothers from infection, especially given declining public confidence in vaccines.previous research has established connections between maternal infections and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental diseases in children, with animal studies demonstrating that immune activation during pregnancy can disrupt normal brain development.
Study Findings: Elevated Risk, Particularly in Male Offspring
Among the 861 children whose mothers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy, 140 (16.3%) received a neurodevelopmental diagnosis by age three. This contrasts with a diagnosis rate of 9.7% – or 1,680 children – among the 17,263 children born to mothers who tested negative for the virus. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the study found that maternal COVID-19 infection was associated with a 29% higher likelihood of a neurodevelopmental condition in children.
Researchers observed a disproportionate risk among male children, who were more likely to develop neurodevelopmental disorders than their female counterparts. Moreover, the risk appeared to be highest when maternal infection occurred during the third trimester, suggesting that exposure later in pregnancy may have a more significant neurological impact.
Maintaining Outlook: Overall Risk Remains Relatively Low
While the study demonstrates an increased risk, co-senior author roy Perlis, MD, MSc, from the Department of Psychiatry at Mass General Brigham, cautioned that “the overall risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in exposed children likely remains low.” This nuance is crucial for interpreting the findings and avoiding undue alarm.
The Importance of Early Detection and Support
The study underscores the importance of early awareness and proactive parental advocacy. “By understanding the risks, parents can appropriately advocate for their children to receive proper evaluation and developmental support,” explained the study’s first author, also a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist. Early intervention can considerably improve outcomes for children facing developmental challenges.
The research team included Lydia L. Shook,Victor Castro,Laura Ibanez-Pintor,and Roy H. Perlis, alongside Andrea Edlow, all affiliated with Mass General Brigham. Disclosures were noted for Perlis, who has financial ties to Alkermes, Circular Genomics, and Genomind, and serves as an editor for JAMA and JAMA Network Open. Edlow has advisory and consulting roles with YourBio Health, Mirvie, Inc., and Merck & Co., Inc., and receives research funding from Merck.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence highlighting the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 exposure during pregnancy, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and support for affected families.
