COVID-19 in pregnancy: implications for fetal brain development

The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during pregnancy on the developing fetal brain is poorly understood. Other antenatal infections such as influenza have been associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. Although vertical transmission has been rarely observed in SARS-CoV-2 to date, given the potential for profound maternal immune activation (MIA), impact on the developing fetal brain is likely. Here we review evidence that SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections during pregnancy can result in maternal, placental, and fetal immune activation, and ultimately in offspring neurodevelopmental morbidity. Finally, we highlight the need for cellular models of fetal brain development to better understand potential short-and long-term impacts of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on the next generation.

Automated summary

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the developing fetal brain during pregnancy is still not well understood. However, other antenatal infections have been associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. Evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections during pregnancy can lead to immune activation in the mother, placenta, and fetus, resulting in neurodevelopmental issues in the next generation. Cellular models of fetal brain development are needed to better understand the potential short- and long-term impacts of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection.