According to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, if an expecting mother tests positive for COVID-19 infection, it will affect the placenta’s immune response to further infections. Dr. Kristina Adams Waldorf, senior author, and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Washington School of Medicine stated that she and her team were surprised to find that women who had COVID-19 during their pregnancies had placentas with an impaired immune response to new infections. She added that the study indicated that infants born to mothers who were infected with COVID-19 at any stage during their pregnancy need to be monitored as they got older.

On the other hand, a total of 164 pregnant people were enrolled in the study, of whom 24 were healthy, non-infected patients designated as controls. On the other hand, 140 were COVID-19 carriers. Both groups gave birth between 37 and 38 weeks, or at around the same time. In individuals with COVID-19 compared to those without, preterm birth occurred at a rate that was nearly three times higher. The study found that either asymptomatic or moderate symptoms were present in almost 75% of the COVID-19 participants.

Dr. Waldorf added that the placenta is still exhibiting these aberrant effects, regardless of how severe or mild the condition is. She also noted that, according to the study, once infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it wears down the placenta, thereby preventing it from regaining its immunological capacity. 

(Source: https://theprint.in/health/covid-19-reduces-placentas-immune-response-study/1135270/ )