Associations of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with birth outcomes: Results from three urban birth cohorts in the NIH environmental influences on child health outcomes program

Abstract

Studies suggest perinatal infection with SARS-CoV-2 can induce adverse birth outcomes, but studies published to date have substantial limitations. We therefore conducted an observational study of 211 births occurring between January 2020-September 2021 in three urban cohorts participating in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Program. Serology was assessed for IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies to nucleocapsid, S1 spike, S2 spike, and receptor-binding domain. There were no differences in gestational age (GA), birth weight, preterm birth (PTB) or low birth weight (LBW) among seropositive mothers. However, the few (n = 9) IgM seropositive mothers had children with lower BW (434g, 95% CI: 116–752), BW Z score-for-GA (0.73 SD, 95% CI 0.10–1.36) and were more likely to deliver preterm (OR 8.75, 95% CI 1.22–62.4). Though there are limits to interpretation, the data support efforts to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections in pregnancy.