A new study shows that pregnant women who develop COVID-19 antibodies often transfer them to their babies in the womb.
More than 1,400 mothers and babies were studied, and researchers found antibodies transferred to the placenta in 72 of 83 infected or previously infected pregnant women, according to the study published Friday by JAMA Pediatrics of the American Medical Association.
“Our findings demonstrate the potential of maternal-derived SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies to provide neonatal protection against 2019 coronavirus disease,” the study says.
Babies born to COVID-19-positive mothers did not develop any infection and 60% of women who had antibodies to the coronavirus showed no symptoms, according to the researchers.
The finding also recommends that expectant mothers should also be vaccinated against other viruses such as the flu so they can protect themselves and their babies.