tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Scand J Immunol
. 2026 Apr;103(4):e70109.
doi: 10.1111/sji.70109.
COVID-19 and Pregnancy: Key Findings
Gabrielle Gimenes Lima[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Ana Flávia Segati[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Giovanna Santos Oliveira[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Nicoly Simões de Melo[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Túlio Nakazato da Cunha[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Elizabeth De Gaspari[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Pregnant individuals were prioritised for COVID-19 research due to concerns about increased susceptibility and limited clinical trial data. This narrative review synthesises evidence on maternal infection, immunological adaptations, placental susceptibility, and antibody transfer following maternal SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Symptomatic COVID-19 during pregnancy increases risks of severe outcomes, whereas vertical transmission remains rare. Placental pathology is characterised mainly by maternal vascular malperfusion and inflammation, with limited evidence of direct viral infection. Maternal vaccination-particularly with mRNA vaccines-induces robust IgG responses with efficient transplacental and lactational transfer, conferring passive neonatal protection. Key uncertainties include optimal vaccine timing, durability of neonatal immunity, and variant-specific responses. Strengthening standardised research and ensuring inclusion of pregnant individuals is essential for global maternal health policy.
Keywords: SARS‐CoV‐2; immune response; immunisation; pregnancy; vaccine.
. 2026 Apr;103(4):e70109.
doi: 10.1111/sji.70109.
COVID-19 and Pregnancy: Key Findings
Gabrielle Gimenes Lima[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Ana Flávia Segati[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Giovanna Santos Oliveira[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Nicoly Simões de Melo[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Túlio Nakazato da Cunha[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Elizabeth De Gaspari[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 41882505
- PMCID: PMC13018292
- DOI: 10.1111/sji.70109
Pregnant individuals were prioritised for COVID-19 research due to concerns about increased susceptibility and limited clinical trial data. This narrative review synthesises evidence on maternal infection, immunological adaptations, placental susceptibility, and antibody transfer following maternal SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Symptomatic COVID-19 during pregnancy increases risks of severe outcomes, whereas vertical transmission remains rare. Placental pathology is characterised mainly by maternal vascular malperfusion and inflammation, with limited evidence of direct viral infection. Maternal vaccination-particularly with mRNA vaccines-induces robust IgG responses with efficient transplacental and lactational transfer, conferring passive neonatal protection. Key uncertainties include optimal vaccine timing, durability of neonatal immunity, and variant-specific responses. Strengthening standardised research and ensuring inclusion of pregnant individuals is essential for global maternal health policy.
Keywords: SARS‐CoV‐2; immune response; immunisation; pregnancy; vaccine.