Washington: Two years into a pandemic, there is evidence that pregnant women are more susceptible to the SARS-COV-2 virus which causes Covid-19.
However, a little known about the possibility of consequences for unborn children if mothers are infected during pregnancy.
This research was presented at the North American Radiological Society Annual Meeting (RSNA).
Covid-19 Light to Medium Light to Pregnant Women does not seem to affect the brain of the developing fetus, according to a recent study.
Possible and impact of vertical transmission, which means passing the virus from mothers to the fetus, it is still unclear.
“Women infected with SARS-COV-2 during pregnancy are worried that viruses can affect the development of their unborn children, as with some other viral infections,” said Senior Author Sophia Stocklein, MD, from the Department of Radiology at Ludwig University Maximilian Munich , in Germany.
“So far, even though there are some vertical transmission reports to the fetus, the risks and proper impacts remain unclear.
The purpose of our study is to fill this gap in knowledge about the impact of SARS-COV-2 infection with the fetal brain development.” Dr.
Stocklein And colleagues use MRI fetus to study 33 patients with Covid-19 infection during pregnancy.
The patients approximately 28 weeks in their pregnancy, on average, with symptom onset that occur at an average of more than 18 weeks into pregnancy.
The most common symptoms of mothers are losses or reducing odor and flavor, dry cough, fever and shortness of breath.
Two radiologists are certified with several years of experience in fetal MRI evaluating scanning.
They found that brain development in areas assessed according to age in all fetuses.
There are no findings that indicate fetal brain infections.
“In our study, there was no evidence that SARS-COV-2 infection Mothers had an effect on the brain development of children who were unborn,” said Dr.
Stocklein.
“This fact must help convince affected parents.” Dr.
Stocklein warned that only mothers with mild to moderate and without hospitalization were included in this study.
“Because the impact of severe infection in brain development in the fetus has not been determined convincingly, active protection against SARS-COV-2 infection during pregnancy remains important,” he said.
As part of the protection, control centers and disease prevention (CDC) recommend vaccination for all 12 years and over, including women who are pregnant or think of pregnancy.
CDC notes that vaccines can protect against severe diseases.
“So far, vaccination is the most promising protection against Covid-19,” Dr.
Stocklein.
“Every potential side effect can be managed, even in pregnant women.
Therefore, despite the results of our research, pregnant women must greatly consider vaccination.” The researchers will follow patients over the next five years, including detailed neonatal assessments, and the evaluation of neurological developments.