Despite concerns regarding maternal infections during pregnancy, this study found that prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 was associated with a slight but statistically significant increase in regulatory behavior at six months.

Researchers investigated the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children following prenatal exposure to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. This cohort study included 896 children, with 96 confirmed to have been exposed through positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for SARS-CoV-2. Analyses were adjusted for prepregnancy medical conditions and socioeconomic factors.

At six months of age, children with prenatal exposure had higher parent-reported scores for regulatory behavior, with a mean difference of 0.19 (95% confidence interval: 0.02-0.36; P = .03), indicating improved self-regulation abilities. Minimal neurodevelopmental effects were observed in children following prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, suggest no significant differences in developmental milestones or socioemotional outcomes at 12 and 24 months between exposed and unexposed children. The study indicates a need for continued follow-up to determine if these predominantly null findings extend into later childhood. The cohort was part of the pan-Canadian Pregnancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic study, conducted from April 2020 to July 2022, which used PCR tests and dried blood spot samples to confirm infection status.

No other neurodevelopmental differences were observed in children after prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 at 12 and 24 months, with no significant differences in developmental milestones or socioemotional outcomes.

Full disclosures can be found in the published study.