In need of robust evidence of non-association of pregestational and early pregnancy SARS-CoV-2 infections with congenital anomalies

Abstract

Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregestational and early pregnancy periods has an unclear impact on fetal development. Although vertical transmission is rare, potential effects on the developing fetal brain are plausible. However, robust evidence linking maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection to congenital anomalies is limited due to inadequate tracking of infection history and methodological flaws in published studies. This is further complicated by limitations, such as restricted testing access and undiagnosed infections, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Most data focus on hospitalized women near term, lacking information on first- and second-trimester infections. Thus, an accurate assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on congenital anomalies is essential. It should however be emphasised that we have robust evidence that vaccination against COVID-19 before or during early pregnancy is not associated with malformations, ruling out any role of COVID-19 vaccines in these increased rates of congenital abnormalities. This viewpoint discusses findings from surveillance registries, highlights study limitations, and offers research recommendations to inform clinical guidelines and public health strategies, aiming to mitigate the effects of viral infections on early neurodevelopment.

Keywords

• Congenital anomalies
• Pregnancy
• Maternal infection
• Neural tube defect
• NTDs
• COVID-19