Being pregnant is always tough, and the pandemic is making things harder for everyone. One thing countless pregnant women are worrying about right now is whether or not their baby may be at risk for COVID-19. At first, there simply wasn't enough data to answer this question. However, a new study provides some very concerning news.

Infants Can Get Coronavirus From Their Mothers

Italy was one of the first areas to have a huge COVID-19 outbreak, and they're using that tragedy for a good purpose. A group of immunologists from the University of Milan is set to release a study about how coronavirus affects pregnant women. The study itself isn't out yet, but the abstract was released this Thursday. Even the brief press release already has some shocking information.

According to professor of immunology Claudio Fenizia, women who get coronavirus have the virus in their breast milk, placentas, and umbilical cord blood. Furthermore, a small number of newborns who were tested for the virus already had it.

The researcher's study tested antibody counts and concluded that some children were already infected with the coronavirus while they were in the womb. This means that babies in utero are not permanently protected from the coronavirus by their mother's antibodies. Instead, it is possible for them to catch it if their mother has it.

Researchers Don't Know How COVID-19 Is Getting Transmitted

However, the Italian researchers emphasize they need more time to figure out exactly how babies are getting the coronavirus. There are all sorts of potential modes for infection. It is possible that a child might be contaminated by bodily fluids from the mother. This could mean that things like blood or breast milk can pass the virus to the baby.

Just like transmission between adults, the virus can also spread through contact with infected droplets from the lungs. For example, a sick mother going through the struggles of childbirth may spread coronavirus particles over the labor area. A child could then inhale some of these in their first breath, resulting in infection.

The current results on what is causing the problem are still inconclusive. The lack of potential data means researchers have not been able to tell if vaginal or Cesarean sections are more likely to pass the virus to infants. This means that there is no guaranteed way of keeping mothers from passing on the virus to their infants.

COVID-19 Is Still Dangerous for Babies and Pregnant Women

You might think this study is no big deal, since everyone knows older people are more likely to suffer from serious COVID-19 complications. However, the researchers take the time to emphasize that coronavirus can be just as dangerous for infants. Newborns do not have a fully developed immune system yet, so it is harder for their body to fight off infections.

Research has found that COVID-19 can cause inflammatory syndrome in children and babies, so it is still possible for the virus to harm children. The virus may also impact development. Another study found that blood clots were more likely to form in the placentas of mothers with coronavirus, which could keep a fetus from developing properly.

What You Should Do If You're Pregnant

This new study doesn't really tell anyone much about how coronavirus will affect infants or how the virus is spreading. However, it does confirm that newborn babies are at risk if their mother was sick. Fenizia says, "our study should be considered a ringing bell to raise awareness that [transmission] is possible."

Doctors emphasize that the most important thing pregnant women can do is try to avoid catching coronavirus in the first place. The most effective way of staying safe is currently avoiding contact with others. There is no known vaccination for coronavirus. Wearing a mask provides some protection, but the main benefit of a mask is avoiding spreading the virus.

Ultimately, pregnant women should try to make plans to avoid contact with others as much as possible. When you can, get deliveries for groceries and spend your time at home or in private areas like your yard. Regularly sanitize door knobs, phones, light switches, and other commonly touched surfaces. If you do have to leave, stay at least six feet apart from others and avoid touching your face until you have washed your hands. This can help you and your baby stay safe.