Overview
- Analysis of 18,124 births at Mass General Brigham found that children exposed in utero to maternal SARS‑CoV‑2 infection had more neurodevelopmental diagnoses by age three.
- Among 861 exposed children, 16.3% received a diagnosis compared with 9.7% among unexposed peers, with adjusted models showing about a 29% higher likelihood.
- The association appeared stronger in boys and with infections occurring during the third trimester.
- Authors describe the study as observational with limitations, note that absolute risk remains low, and call for larger follow‑up including vaccinated cohorts.
- Health experts say the results reinforce preventing COVID‑19 in pregnancy, and professional bodies such as ACOG continue to recommend vaccination during pregnancy.