Babies develop COVID-19 antibodies from mothers in the womb

Pregnant women who develop COVID-19 antibodies often transfer them to their babies in the womb, according to a new study.

More than 1,400 mothers and newborns have been studied and researchers found that antibodies were transferred across the placenta in 72 of 83 pregnant women who were infected or previously infected, according to the study published Friday by the Journal of the American Medical. Association’s JAMA Pediatrics.

“Our results demonstrate the potential of maternally-derived SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies to provide neonatal protection against 2019 coronavirus disease,” the study said.

Babies born to COVID-19 positive mothers did not develop an infection and 60% of women who had antibodies to the coronavirus reported no symptoms, the researchers said.

The finding also recommends that pregnant women get vaccinated against other viruses such as the flu so they can protect themselves and their babies.