X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
Product GuideSign in
  • SPF 2023
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • News
    • International
    • Health
    • Celebrity
    • Singapore
  • Aptamil
    • Immunity
    • Intelligence
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • VIP

COVID-19 Infection Can Infect New Embryos And Result In Miscarriages: Study

2 Aug, 2021
COVID-19 Infection Can Infect New Embryos And Result In Miscarriages: Study

According to a new study, Covid-19 can infect embryos and result in miscarriages.

A latest study has proved that coronavirus can infect embryos and also result in miscarriages.

According to a new report by Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute For Research (ICMR-NIRRH), miscarriage due to COVID-19 is very much a possibility because embryos that are as old as five days can develop receptors. These provide an easy passage to the Sars-CoV-2 virus which causes Covid-19.

This study was conducted on 45 human embryos donated after IVF procedures at fertility clinics. 

Miscarriage Due To COVID-19 Is Possible, Says Study

miscarriage due to covid Image courtesy: Pixabay

The new study highlighted that embryos can get infected with coronavirus under the following circumstances:

  • If the expecting mum is infected with the virus
  • Or, if the infection has occurred during the IVF procedure in labs

This can increase the chance of having a miscarriage. The infection in the embryo can also be the reason for failure to conceive both naturally as well as through IVF. 

Even though there is no specific data available on the total miscarriages due to covid, but a large number of hospitals have reported such cases. 

Embryos Became Receptors

A receptor is a specific protein that acts as an entry point to the virus to hooks onto and infects the other human cells. Studies revealed that Sars-CoV-2 infects the lungs through the receptor — angiotensin.

It can infect ACE2-expressing cells at local sites, thus causing a multi-organ injury. Note, there are actually many other organs that are susceptible to the virus. 

The new study found that many cells of the embryos that were fertilised as early as five days express the receptors — ACE2 and TMPRSS2

The new study thus establishes that embryos are susceptible to getting infected either through vertical transmission, which is from the infected mum to her foetus or horizontal transmission during IVF procedures. 

Why Early Embryos Stand At Risk?

Dr Deepak Modi, who was the lead investigator of the study said, "The same cells can also allow virus multiplication and growth inside the embryonic cells. This will not only harm the developing embryo, but it may also lead to their death."

The research team further found that along with ACE2, the cells of early embryos have receptors for other coronaviruses. Thus, making them highly likely to get infected. 

Doctors in India have surely noticed a rise in first and second-trimester miscarriages among coronavirus infected mums. But more research is needed to substantiate these claims globally. 

Risk Of Transmission During IVF Procedure

Dr Modi said that Covid-19 can spread from an asymptomatic carrier, infecting the embryo. He further highlighted how the virus can stay alive on the surfaces of the lab and even cold chains like liquid nitrogen, where the embryos are preserved.

The reason why one needs to be careful is because once the virus gets in touch with the embryo, it will not only infect them but will also multiply. So, if a woman tests positive for coronavirus while undergoing the treatment, doctors may suggest a delay until she recovers completely. 

The ICMR had earlier issued guidelines for recommencing ART (assisted reproductive technology) services amid the pandemic. 

Late diagnosis of COVID-19 with Dengue and Malaria can lead to miscarriage

miscarriage due to covid Image courtesy: iStock

Last year, ICMR had conducted a study that revealed a late diagnosis of the COVID infection with dengue and malaria in pregnant mums can often lead to severe complications, including miscarriage.  

In both coronavirus and in mosquito-borne diseases, patients develop similar symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever and body ache, which leads to confusion and often misdiagnosis.

When a woman gets detected with coronavirus, doctors often don't test them for dengue and malaria. This leads to a delay in the diagnosis of the co-infection. 

miscarriage due to covid Image courtesy: File Photo

Research shows that pregnant women are at greater risk of severe illness and death from Covid-19. This risk increases in those who have co-morbidities like diabetes. Keeping this in mind, most countries have also recently opened up vaccines to pregnant women. 

Most doctors agree that a vaccine is the best shield against fighting Covid-19. Studies have shown that there is no risk to the fetus and in fact, pregnant mums can pass on their antibodies to their newborn kids. 

However, remember, every pregnancy is different. So consult your doctor if you have any doubts regarding vaccination. Even if you are vaccinated, don't let your guard down.

Wear your masks, sanitise your hands, eat healthy, and sleep well. 

News source: Hindustan Times

ALSO READ:

Partner Stories
Celebrity Dad Mark Lee Shares the 3 P's of Raising School Going Children - Parenting Tips, PSLE Preparation & Protecting Your Child’s Eyesight!
Celebrity Dad Mark Lee Shares the 3 P's of Raising School Going Children - Parenting Tips, PSLE Preparation & Protecting Your Child’s Eyesight!
NTUC First Campus (NFC) Expands Child Support Model to Include Support for Mental Well-being
NTUC First Campus (NFC) Expands Child Support Model to Include Support for Mental Well-being
Singapore's Dengue Cases Surpass The 35,000 Mark, Highest Since 2013
Singapore's Dengue Cases Surpass The 35,000 Mark, Highest Since 2013
Typhoon Haiyan relief effort
Typhoon Haiyan relief effort

Pregnancy After COVID Vaccine: Should You Go For The Second Jab?

Pregnant Women With COVID-19 Suffer From Placenta Damage, New Study Shows

COVID-19 Infection Can Infect New Embryos And Result In Miscarriages: Study

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Sarmistha Neogy

  • Home
  • /
  • International
  • /
  • COVID-19 Infection Can Infect New Embryos And Result In Miscarriages: Study
Share:
  • Registration for 2024 P1 Admissions Will Begin on July 4

    Registration for 2024 P1 Admissions Will Begin on July 4

  • Indulge in Heavenly Durians from S$2 and Experience Taste Sensation with Giant Tampines!

    Indulge in Heavenly Durians from S$2 and Experience Taste Sensation with Giant Tampines!

  • Punggol Container Park Guide: Here's How To Plan Your Day With Family

    Punggol Container Park Guide: Here's How To Plan Your Day With Family

  • Registration for 2024 P1 Admissions Will Begin on July 4

    Registration for 2024 P1 Admissions Will Begin on July 4

  • Indulge in Heavenly Durians from S$2 and Experience Taste Sensation with Giant Tampines!

    Indulge in Heavenly Durians from S$2 and Experience Taste Sensation with Giant Tampines!

  • Punggol Container Park Guide: Here's How To Plan Your Day With Family

    Punggol Container Park Guide: Here's How To Plan Your Day With Family

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

theAsianparent heart icon
We’d like to send you notifications for the latest news and lifestyle updates.