Atlanta

New Emory study reveals promising findings about pregnant women and COVID-19

ATLANTA — A new study conducted by Emory University found that pregnant women can transfer COVID-19 antibodies to their unborn child.

“When you’re pregnant, sickness is just worse for me, so I just don’t want to get sick,” said Adrienne Jones, who is a 6-month pregnant woman from Metro-Atlanta.

[SPECIAL SECTION: COVID-19 Vaccine in Georgia]

Adrienne Jones is taking no chances.

She still has concerns when it comes to the coronavirus, pregnancy and the vaccine.

“I just want to make sure that I’m not going to have any side effects that will land me anywhere near a hospital,” said Jones.

A new Emory University School of Medicine study found that pregnant women can transfer COVID-19 antibodies to their unborn child.

“Yes, we think this is promising,” said Emory University Associated Professor, Dr. Martina Badell.

Dr. Badell said researchers took samples from 32 women who all tested positive for COVID-19.

She said the researchers then analyzed both the maternal and the umbilical chord blood.

[LINK: Where to find the COVID-19 vaccine in Georgia]

“We found that women whether symptomatic or asymptomatic during pregnancy mounted a robust immune response and had coronavirus antibodies in their blood and found that women also passed these antibodies through their placenta and into the chord blood of their babies,” said Dr. Badell.

Still, Adrienne Jones has questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and whether she should take it.

Dr. Badell said out of an abundance of caution pregnant women should get the shot.

“Consider getting vaccinated, knowing that COVID while you’re pregnant, can put you at a higher risk.”

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