Overview
- The retrospective Obstetrics & Gynecology study of 18,124 births reported a 29% higher adjusted odds of any neurodevelopmental diagnosis by age three after maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- By 36 months, 16.3% of exposed children had a diagnosis versus 9.7% of unexposed, with higher absolute rates for speech and language disorders, motor disorders, and autism.
- The association was strongest after third‑trimester infection and was more pronounced in boys, while first‑ and second‑trimester exposures were not statistically significant.
- Vaccination was uncommon in the cohort, with only 13 infections after at least one vaccine dose, preventing assessment of whether vaccination mitigates risk.
- Results contrast with some prior studies, prompting calls for longer follow‑up and developmental monitoring, as medical groups continue to recommend vaccination and criticize moves to discourage its use in pregnancy.