Babies Born Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic May Face Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Challenges
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 06, 2025 5 hours, 23 minutes ago
Medical News: A recent study has highlighted potential neurodevelopmental risks in infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research explored how pandemic-related factors may have affected the development of newborns. Their findings raise concerns about cognitive, social, and motor skill development among these infants, emphasizing the need for further investigation and long-term monitoring.
Babies Born Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic May Face Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of daily life, from economic instability to increased stress and social isolation. Pregnant women faced unprecedented levels of anxiety due to lockdowns, limited access to healthcare, and fears of virus exposure. This
Medical News report delves into how these factors may have influenced the early neurodevelopment of children born during this period. Previous research has already established that prenatal stress can impact a child's development, and this study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that pandemic-born infants may be particularly vulnerable.
The Role of Prenatal Stress and Social Isolation
One of the major concerns highlighted in the study is the impact of maternal stress during pregnancy. Previous disasters, such as the Quebec Ice Storm in 1998, showed that high-stress levels in expectant mothers were linked to autism-like traits in their children.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016517811400331X
Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic created a highly stressful environment, potentially influencing fetal brain development. Increased maternal anxiety and depression during pregnancy have long been associated with developmental delays in infants, making this an area of urgent concern.
However, the risks extend beyond pregnancy. The postnatal period was also challenging, as pandemic restrictions meant that many newborns had reduced exposure to social interactions. Social and environmental stimulation is crucial for early brain development, particularly in shaping communication, motor, and emotional skills. Infants born during the lockdowns may have missed out on key experiences, such as peer interactions, exposure to different environments, and structured play - all of which are critical for normal development.
Evidence of Developmental Delays in Pandemic Born Infants
The study points to significant findings from previous research that support the idea that pandemic-born infants might be experiencing developmental challenges. A study by Shuffrey et al. revealed that babies born during the pandemic had lower scores in areas such as gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and social interactions, regardless of whether their mothers had COVID-19 during pregnancy.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2787479
This suggests that it was not the virus itself, but rather the altered environment, that played a significant role in their developmental progress.
Another study by Byrne et al. in 2023 found that children born during the pandemic were less likely to achieve key early milestones, such as waving, pointing, or speaking their first meaningful word.
https://adc.bmj.com/content/108/1/20
Such delays could indicate a broader issue in social communication and cognitive development. While some children may eventually catch up, experts warn that others could face long-term difficulties, particularly if they do not receive the necessary early interventions.
Why This Matters and What Can Be Done
The COVID-19 pandemic has left lasting effects across all age groups, but its impact on infants is still unfolding. Early childhood is a critical period for brain development, and disruptions during this time can have long-term consequences. While current studies highlight potential risks, most have been based on small sample sizes, and larger, long-term studies are needed to confirm the extent of the impact.
Experts suggest that parents and caregivers can take proactive steps to support their children’s development. Increased social interaction, structured playtime, and engaging in communication-based activities can help mitigate some of the developmental setbacks. Additionally, healthcare professionals and policymakers should prioritize early screening programs to identify children at risk and provide targeted interventions.
Looking Ahead
Although it is too early to fully understand the long-term impact of the pandemic on infant neurodevelopment, researchers emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring. Large-scale longitudinal studies will be essential in determining whether these children face sustained developmental challenges or if they eventually catch up to their peers. Furthermore, interventions such as parenting programs and early therapy options should be explored to support children who may need additional assistance.
The findings from this study serve as an important reminder that while the immediate health crises of the pandemic have passed, its effects on child development may persist for years to come. Addressing these issues now could help prevent future difficulties and ensure that children born during this time receive the support they need to thrive.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Pediatrics & Neonatology.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1875957225000506
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