Times Live reports evidence of the coronavirus traveling from an expectant mother through the placenta to her unborn baby. Said baby took first breath in Singapore on December 1, 2020. We can assume the virus transmitted to the baby in the mother’s womb because the newborn child had those virus antibodies. But we understand both mother and child are not showing COVID-19 symptoms now.
How the Virus Transmitted to Baby in Mother’s Womb
The mother told local media she became mildly ill with the disease when carrying. Although she did not disclose which three-month trimester this was in. However, she recovered fully and discharged from hospital after two-and-a half weeks. World Health Organization says it is still not clear how and whether viral transmission in a womb could happen.
Assuming the facts are true, it’s very likely the virus transmitted to the baby in the mother’s womb through the placenta. That’s because this is the sole conduit for exchange of nutrient, gas and waste (the cord circulates the mother’s blood). We recall a similar situation that happened in a Paris hospital in March 2020.
What We Can Learn From the Earlier Paris Incident
The Singapore incident is very recent, and we are still waiting for a medical report. However, the earlier Paris event has passed through detailed study, and so that situation is clearer. Dr. Daniele De Luca, chief of pediatrics and neonatal critical care at Paris-Saclay University Hospitals reported back after three months observation.
The virus very likely passed through the placenta, she said. The baby, now more than 3 months old recovered without treatment, and is ‘very much improved, almost clinically normal’. Moreover, doctors were able to test the placenta, amniotic fluid, cord blood, and the mother’s and baby’s blood.
They confirmed the virus had replicated after reaching the placenta from the mother. It appeared to have traveled from the placenta to the unborn fetus, which could ‘catch the infection and have symptoms similar to adult Covid-19 patients’. Fortunately, ‘cases of possible coronavirus transmission in the womb appear to be extremely rare’ the report added.
Related
COVID-19 Could Increase Infant Deaths
The Coronavirus Can Spread in Particles
Preview Image: Fetus in Placenta
