Afr J Reprod Health. 2026 Oct 1;30(18):(Afr J Reprod Health 2026; 30 [18]: 38-45).. doi: 10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.4.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to compare maternal and umbilical cord blood pro-BNP levels in pregnant women with a history of COVID-19 infection and to evaluate possible cardiac effects during pregnancy. In this prospective case-control study conducted between January and October 2023, 88 pregnant women were included: 44 with a history of COVID-19 infection after the second trimester and 44 healthy controls. Women with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or severe pregnancy complications were excluded. Maternal venous and umbilical cord arterial blood samples were collected immediately after delivery, and pro-BNP levels were measured using standard laboratory procedures. Maternal pro-BNP levels were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group, whereas cord blood pro-BNP levels did not differ significantly between groups. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were similar. These findings suggest that prior COVID-19 infection may cause subclinical maternal cardiac stress, while placental mechanisms may protect the fetus from cardiac involvement.
PMID:42819372 | DOI:10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i18.4