Although a number of studies have analyzed maternal serologic response after natural infection, they have primarily focused on immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM response, without measuring neutralizing potency, which is key to prevention of severe disease and long-term prevention of reinfection. In addition, studying the maternal immune response after natural infection may hold clues to understanding the maternal immune response and maternal and neonatal protection after vaccination. Evaluation of passive in utero antibody transfer after natural infection can help with understanding neonatal vulnerability to infection and whether risk can be mitigated by transplacental transfer of specific antibodies. 3 Mitigation strategies are urgently needed to protect pregnant persons and their newborns.ĭescribing the maternal immune response after natural infection is an important step in delineating maternal risks for infection, reinfection, treatment, and prevention. Children younger than 1 year, an age group for which immunity predominantly occurs passively, comprise almost one third of pediatric COVID-19 hospitalizations. 2 Neonates also represent a vulnerable population, susceptible to worse outcomes. 1 Severe disease in pregnancy is also associated with increased risk for obstetric complications, including cesarean delivery, preterm birth, and possibly stillbirth. Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and death, when compared with nonpregnant adults.
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