COVID-19 in Pregnancy Linked to Higher Autism Risk in Children

Scientists studied babies whose moms got COVID-19 while they were pregnant.

They found that these babies had a slightly higher chance of having problems with how their brains developed, like trouble talking, autism, or moving their bodies, by the time they were three years old.

This might happen because the mom's sickness could affect how the baby's brain grows in the womb.

The risk was higher if the mom got sick later in her pregnancy.

Even though the risk is higher, the overall number of babies with these issues is still small.

This research shows it's important for pregnant people to try and avoid getting COVID-19.