Pandemic pregnancy study probes COVID-19's impact on infant brains
NCT ID NCT04713150
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This completed study looked at how a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, along with related stress, might affect a baby's brain development. Researchers followed 62 mothers and their infants, using surveys, brain scans (MRI and EEG), and developmental tests. The goal is to better understand and support families affected by the pandemic.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could help scientists understand how prenatal COVID-19 and stress impact early brain development, leading to better support for families.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, observational study with only 62 participants, so findings may not apply to everyone. It does not test any treatment.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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62 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2020
- Finished
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Sep 2023
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Infants born to COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative women.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * English or Spanish- speaking of any ethnicity * Women, aged 18 or older * Women who received COVID-19 diagnoses during pregnancy OR Women without any SARS-CoV-2 positive test during pregnancy, any suspected COVID illness (even if not tested) or who received a negative COVID-19 test result during pregnancy Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be excluded if the child: * is born at less than 34 weeks or if birth weight is not appropriate for dates * has an identified genetic, metabolic, syndromic or progressive neurological disorder (e.g., Down Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis, Neurofibromatosis, Fragile X Syndrome) at birth or within the first year
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
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Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience, Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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