During most of the COVID-19 pandemic, public discourse emphasized that babies rarely tested positive for the virus, suggesting a reassurance about maternal health and pregnancy. However, this view was overly simplistic and did not account for potential damage done in utero, as early studies primarily focused on active infections at delivery rather than long-term effects. Initial reassurance about the low transmission rate from mother to fetus has led to a growing understanding that maternal COVID-19 can have significant adverse impacts on fetal health.

As the pandemic progressed, particularly with the emergence of more severe variants like alpha, delta, and omicron, evidence began to mount regarding the serious implications of maternal COVID-19. Increased rates of severe illness among pregnant women coincided with rising instances of fetal mortality and unusual placental damage, prompting medical professionals to reconsider previous assumptions. Pathologists and pediatricians began documenting these concerning trends, highlighting the need for further investigation into the long-term health of babies whose mothers contracted COVID-19.

The evolving understanding of COVID-19's effects on pregnancy underscores the importance of comprehensive research and guidance for expecting mothers. As medical professionals continue to study the implications of in-utero exposure to the virus, there is a pressing need for heightened awareness and preparedness to ensure the health of both mothers and their children in the face of this ongoing public health crisis.