Newborn tests positive for COVID, showing virus can infect before birth, doctors say
Doctors have found several cases of newborn babies testing positive for the coronavirus, including triplets born recently in Mexico. But for the first time, researchers confirmed that unborn babies can contract the virus while they’re still in the womb, according to a new study.
The research, published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications, says a 23-year-old in France was just over 35 weeks pregnant when she went to the hospital and tested positive for COVID-19. Doctors did a cesarean section and found the baby also had the virus.
The doctors reported they found coronavirus cells in the amniotic fluid and the placenta, proving that the baby contracted the virus while still in the womb.
“Transmission is indeed possible in the last weeks of pregnancy, although we cannot exclude a possible transmission and fetal consequences earlier during the pregnancy, as there are no definite literature data available yet,” the doctors said.
They said that there have been other cases where doctors suspected newborn babies contracted the virus from their mothers in the womb — but had not been able to find definitive proof that was the case.
In this case, the doctors said they showed the coronavirus went through the placenta and into the baby’s bloodstream. The baby boy showed signs of brain inflammation likely caused by the virus.
The mother and baby both recovered from the virus, the doctors reported.
Researchers continue to learn more about the coronavirus every day, including its possible effects on pregnant women and pregnancy.
“Based on what we know at this time, pregnant people might be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant people,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Additionally, there may be an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, among pregnant people with COVID-19,” the CDC warns.
The CDC said women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should “limit your interactions with other people as much as possible.” The CDC says pregnant people should also make sure to wear a mask and avoid others who are not wearing masks.
Pregnant women and the people that live with them should follow CDC guidelines for people with increased risk of severe illness from the coronavirus, which is available on the CDC website.
This story was originally published July 14, 2020 at 10:00 AM.
