Title: Impact of SARS-CoV-2 exposure during pregnancy and the neonatal period on infants’ neurodevelopment and social-emotional outcomes
Funder: Action Medical Research

Abstract: Background_x000D_ Studies in adults have shown that in addition to its more common effects, the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus) can sometimes cause brain complications. Damage to the brain is especially concerning in very young babies as this might affect their long term development. Women who are infected with the virus during pregnancy may unavoidably expose their unborn baby to the virus and virus-related inflammation, and some newborn babies will catch the virus soon after birth. These groups of babies usually have only mild disease or no signs of infection at all in the newborn period. What is not known is whether being infected with the virus in early life or being exposed to the effects of the virus in the womb affects infants' brain development. There is therefore, an urgent need to follow these babies to find out if and how the virus affects their development and mental health in the longer term._x000D_ _x000D_ The research project_x000D_ This team of researchers leads two national studies that are identifying all pregnant women and newborn babies with COVID-19 infection. From these studies, they will assess babies whose mothers had COVID-19 during pregnancy and babies who were infected shortly after birth, when they are 18 months of age. They will compare development in this group with a group of babies who were not exposed to the virus. Parents will be asked to complete questionnaires to report on their child's development and early learning. As well as spotting early signs of developmental delay, these questionnaires will also identify children who may be at risk of behavioural or emotional problems in the future. In addition, the researchers will ask parents for permission to follow up their child later in childhood. The information gained will help health professionals develop advice for pregnant women and new parents, identify children who need regular developmental checks and support and stimulate research for developing treatments to prevent the impact of COVID-19 on brain development and mental health in the long term._x000D_

Lay abstract: Background_x000D_ Studies in adults have shown that in addition to its more common effects, the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus) can sometimes cause brain complications. Damage to the brain is especially concerning in very young babies as this might affect their long term development. Women who are infected with the virus during pregnancy may unavoidably expose their unborn baby to the virus and virus-related inflammation, and some newborn babies will catch the virus soon after birth. These groups of babies usually have only mild disease or no signs of infection at all in the newborn period. What is not known is whether being infected with the virus in early life or being exposed to the effects of the virus in the womb affects infants' brain development. There is therefore, an urgent need to follow these babies to find out if and how the virus affects their development and mental health in the longer term._x000D_ _x000D_ The research project_x000D_ This team of researchers leads two national studies that are identifying all pregnant women and newborn babies with COVID-19 infection. From these studies, they will assess babies whose mothers had COVID-19 during pregnancy and babies who were infected shortly after birth, when they are 18 months of age. They will compare development in this group with a group of babies who were not exposed to the virus. Parents will be asked to complete questionnaires to report on their child's development and early learning. As well as spotting early signs of developmental delay, these questionnaires will also identify children who may be at risk of behavioural or emotional problems in the future. In addition, the researchers will ask parents for permission to follow up their child later in childhood. The information gained will help health professionals develop advice for pregnant women and new parents, identify children who need regular developmental checks and support and stimulate research for developing treatments to prevent the impact of COVID-19 on brain development and mental health in the long term._x000D_

Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND CHILDBIRTH;INFECTION