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A new study from the University of Bristol, UK, suggests that babies exposed to the COVID-19 virus while in the womb may face increased risks of social skill deficiencies and respiratory problems. Despite these findings, the researchers emphasized that the long-term outcomes remain uncertain.
The study, published in the journal eClinical Medicine, involved 339 children, of whom 96 had antenatal or neonatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2, and 243 did not. Antenatal and neonatal SARS-CoV-2 exposure were defined as infants born to mothers hospitalized with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between 14 and 36 weeks of gestation and infants admitted to the hospital with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection within the first 28 days after birth.
According to the research, babies who had been exposed to COVID-19 in utero or shortly after birth showed a higher risk of delayed social-emotional development, a greater prevalence of respiratory symptoms, and increased healthcare usage compared to their non-exposed counterparts. These issues may create difficulties later in childhood, potentially affecting children’s ability to form positive peer relationships and achieve academic success.
Dr. Ela Chakkarapani, Associate Professor of Neonatal Neuroscience at the University of Bristol, highlighted the importance of these findings. “Children’s ability to develop positive peer relationships and academic success may be impacted due to the social-emotional delay in infancy,” she said.
The research team has called for larger studies and longer-term follow-ups to confirm and further understand these risks. In the meantime, Dr. Chakkarapani advised parents of children who were exposed to COVID-19 to consult their doctors about their child’s lung function. This proactive approach may help manage and mitigate potential health issues.
This study underscores the importance of monitoring and supporting children who were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 during critical stages of development. While the long-term effects remain to be fully understood, early intervention and medical guidance could play a crucial role in addressing and managing these potential challenges.
