A recent study has shown that pregnant mothers infected with COVID-19 can transfer antibodies to their unborn child through the placenta.

The recent research, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, surveyed more than 1,470 pregnant woman at Pennsylvania Hospital between April and August 2020. Researchers took blood samples from, and analysed COVID-19 antibodes in 83 new mothers, and found that about 87 per cent of their newborns had COVID-19 antobidies in their umbilical cords.

"Our findings demonstrate the potential for maternally derived antibodies to provide neonatal protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection and will help inform both neonatal management guidance and design of vaccine trials during pregnancy," the researchers reportedly said, according to Times of India.

The antibody responsible for this is Immunoglobulin G (IgG) - found in cord blood that helps protect the body from various infections.

According to the recent study, IgG was found in 83 of the 1,471 women surveyed during delivery, and it was also detected in cord blood from 72 of 83 of the new borns.

The 11 babies who did not carry the antibodies were either due to the low levels of IgG in their mothers, or due to the low amount of antibody production by their mothers.

The researchers said that further study is needed to determine if SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are protective against newborn infection, and if so, at what concentration they are needed.

This is not the first study that has looked into the COVID-19 and its impact on pregnancy.

A previous research by Chinese scientists showed that mother's milk could prevent, or treat COVID-19.

The study by Beijing University of Chemical Technology scientists showed that the whey protein in human mil blocked viral attachment, entry and post-entry viral replication of the coronavirus in cells.

More than 103 million people have been infected by the coronavirus, and over 2.24 million have died from it, worldwide.


Source: Times of India
Photo source: Astro Awani