As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread globally, science regularly makes new discoveries. Recently, an Italian study indicates that transmission of the virus from a pregnant mother to her newborn is possible. Should mothers-to-be therefore avoid breastfeeding their child?
SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women could transmit the virus to their child. This conclusion is that of Pr. Claudio Fenizia of the University of Milan (Italy). As a press release dated July 10, 2020 indicates, the study in question was presented at the 23rd International AIDS Conference. In addition, the study has been published on the medRxiv platform (pre-publication).
The study concerns 31 pregnant women carrying SARS-CoV-2 and undergoing hospitalization. However, Claudio Fenizia's team found specific antibodies in the placenta, the umbilical cord or the breast milk of many of these women. In addition, one of them carried the virus in her placenta, her umbilical cord and even her vagina. According to the researchers, the results “strongly suggest” transmission in utero is possible. However, these specific antibodies (IgM type) cannot cross the placenta. That is, they cannot have been transferred from mother to fetus. Their presence therefore seems to prove a direct contact of the fetus with the virus.
“Considering the number of people infected in the world, the number of women likely to be affected by this phenomenon could be potentially very high” indicated Claudio Fenizia.
However, the conclusion of the study is not definitive since it is too early to draw conclusions about potential risks. Indeed, it should be noted that no infant born to the 31 participants tested positive for coronavirus. Let's also mention the fact that the volunteers were all in their third trimester of pregnancy . However, studies on pregnant women infected at the beginning of their pregnancy are currently taking place. We will therefore have to wait for the results of this research in order to learn more about the risks and their consequences.
Despite this possible transmission in utero, the researchers do not go against the statements of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding breastfeeding. Indeed, the WHO advises mothers to continue to breastfeed their child , even if they are infected. The organization believes that newborn babies are at relatively low risk from the coronavirus. On the other hand, they are vulnerable to many diseases that breastfeeding can prevent.
