Pregnant women may be able to pass Covid-19 to their unborn babies, a new study claims.
Researchers at the University of Milan found the disease and antibodies in the umbilical cord blood, breast milk, placentas and the vaginas of some pregnant coronavirus patients.
Claudio Fenizia, an immunology specialist at the university, said the findings should serve as a wake-up call about the possible transmission of Covid-19 between pregnant mums and their babies.
The study, which involved 31 women, recorded two babies testing positive for Covid-19, although both quickly recovered.
Mr Fenizia said: "These two cases both have had positive placentas and the two babies were positive upon delivery.
"Overall through our study we believe that vertical transmission during pregnancy is possible."
But some critics say the results of the study, which was presented on Thursday, are not conclusive.
Neonatologist Diana Bianchi said it is difficult to tell whether a child has been contaminated by the mother's bodily fluids during a vaginal birth or a C-section, the Washington Post reports.
It comes after a University of California study which also suggested pregnant women could pass the virus to foetuses.
A Papa New Guinean obstetrician advised women in his country to avoid falling pregnant for up to two years due to coronavirus fears.
Dr Glen Mola, professor of gynaecology and obstetrics at the University of Papua New Guinea, issued the warning after expectant mothers were turned away from hospitals over Covid-19 fears.
Nurses in the country have turned some women away from clinics during the lockdown, the Guardian reports.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says pregnant women may be at greater risk from the virus.
