The pandemic caused by COVID-19 remain threatening to women and children. However, clinical evidences regarding women during pregnancy, puerperium and lactation periods are limited.

The goal of a new study published in New Microbes and New Infections was to discuss clinical,immunological features and breastfeeding advices among mother-infant pairs.

This study entailed an observational analysis in a tertiary center located in Wuhan, China. Pregnant patients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 who delivered during hospitalization were enrolled.Clinical characteristics and serial specimens of the mother-infant pairs were examined, supplemented with follow-ups regarding recovery and breastfeeding.

It was noted that 14 pregnant ladies had live birth and achieved good recovery while four patients continued breastfeeding with precautions – no neonatal infection was found. No infants observed developed COVID-19 during breastfeeding. Common maternal symptoms were feverin 78.1%and cough in 42.9%. A pregnancy specific symptom was abnormal fetal movement – in three (21.4%) patients. The mean viral shedding time was nine days (SD 6, range 1-22); SARS-CoV-2 genome was not detected in breastmilk or maternal vaginal secretions. Immunological assay showed seroconversion of IgM on day eight of onset, and IgG on day 28.

Both, IgM and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in breastmilk, cord blood and neonatal serum.

The findings suggested passive acquisition of antibody against SARS-CoV-2 through breast milk ingestion. It was inferred that breastfeeding confers a low risk in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 or in causing maternal disease escalation. Therefore, continued breastfeeding with prudentprecautions is encouraged.

Source: New Microbes and New Infections. 2020 Sep 1;37:100752.doi:10.1016/j.nmni.2020.100752.