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In a world still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, expectant mothers understandably worry about what it might mean for their babies.
A recent important study from the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, led by Dr. Lydia L. Shook and colleagues, offers new insights into this question.
Published online ahead of print on October 30, 2025, in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, the research titled “Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of 3-Year-Old Children Exposed to Maternal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection in Utero” carefully examined how COVID-19 during pregnancy could impact children’s brain development.
What Was Studied?
The researchers looked retrospectively at over 18,000 live births from March 2020 to May 2021 within the Mass General Brigham health system. They focused on 861 pregnancies where the mothers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy.
The goal was to see if children exposed to COVID-19 before birth showed a higher rate of neurodevelopmental problems by age three.
These problems include conditions related to learning, movement, speech delays, and autism spectrum disorders, identified using medical diagnostic codes.
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What Did the Study Find?
The results were important and showed a clear association:
• About 16.3% of children born to mothers who had COVID-19 during pregnancy were diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental condition by age three.
• In contrast, only 9.7% of children born to mothers without COVID-19 had these diagnoses.
• After adjusting for important factors like mother’s age, race, insurance type, hospital setting, and whether the child was born early, the risk was still about 29% higher in children exposed to COVID-19 in the womb.
• The study also found that the risk was highest when the mother was infected during the third trimester of pregnancy.
• Boys appeared to be more vulnerable than girls, showing a particularly increased risk of neurodevelopmental diagnoses.
What Does This Mean for Parents?
First author Dr. Lydia Shook, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, emphasized the importance of parental awareness. She said, “By understanding the risks, parents can appropriately advocate for their children to have proper evaluation and support.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Roy Perlis from the Department of Psychiatry at Mass General Brigham reassured, “The overall risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in exposed children likely remains low.” This means while the relative risk increases, most children exposed to COVID-19 in utero do not develop serious neurodevelopmental issues.
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Other Research Findings: What Is the Bigger Picture?
This study fits into a broader research effort to understand the impact of COVID-19 during pregnancy on child development. Some recent studies suggest no significant differences in early infancy neurodevelopment for babies exposed to COVID-19, while others, like this one, find a potential increased risk manifesting by age three.
Neurodevelopmental disorders often appear gradually and become more noticeable as a child grows, which may explain these differences between studies focusing on different ages.
Why Is This Research Important?
This research is groundbreaking because it is one of the largest studies assessing long-term outcomes to age three and using detailed diagnostic data from a large healthcare system. It highlights the need for continued monitoring and support for children born during the pandemic.
It also reassures families and healthcare providers that awareness and early intervention can make a difference. Recognizing early signs of developmental delays or disorders and acting promptly can lead to better outcomes for affected children.
Tips for Expectant Mothers and Families
• If you had COVID-19 during your pregnancy, don’t panic. Stay informed and work closely with your pediatrician to monitor your child’s development.
• Pay attention to your child’s milestones, especially speech, movement, and social behavior.
• Early developmental assessments and interventions, if needed, can improve a child’s overall outcomes.
• Keep preventive health measures, including vaccination, and consult your doctor about protecting yourself during pregnancy.
Conclusion
The October 2025 study from Massachusetts General Hospital confirms an increased risk—but a relatively small one—for neurodevelopmental disorders in children whose mothers had COVID-19 during pregnancy, especially if infected late in pregnancy.
This important research encourages awareness and proactive care to support the healthy development of children born in this era.
For parents and caregivers, knowledge is power. Understanding these risks helps you advocate for your child and ensures they get the attention and resources they need to thrive.
Disclaimer: This article aims to inform and educate clearly, honoring the research published and the expertise behind it, while helping readers understand an important new chapter in COVID-19’s impact on pregnancy and child health.
