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Open research questions in COVID-19 Impact on Reproduction

257 gap statements mined from COVID-19 Impact on Reproduction papers in our 7.9M-paper local library, which holds 1,312 papers on the topic — drawn mostly from each paper's own stated research gap, future-work, challenge and limitation notes, and its abstract. The ones listed below are a selection still marked open; each names the study that raised it, with a DOI link where the paper has one.

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What the literature leaves open

  • There is a lack of understanding of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on human embryonic development. Few reports have examined vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to embryo or fetus.

    SARS-CoV-2 pseudoparticles preferentially infect ectoderm in human embryonic tissues · 2026 · DOI

  • Clinical surveillance protocols need to be developed and validated to identify neurodevelopmental deficits and latent or subclinical anomalies in newborns, toddlers, and children exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in utero, particularly in ectodermal derivatives including neural and cutaneous tissues.

    SARS-CoV-2 pseudoparticles preferentially infect ectoderm in human embryonic tissues · 2026 · DOI

  • Further studies are needed to replicate the findings and examine the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy on fetal brain development. Studies should investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring of mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy.

    Maternal-infant immune signatures in infants at risk for SARS-CoV-2-associated neurodevelopmental disorders · 2026 · DOI

  • The repercussions of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy on the developing fetal brain are yet to be determined. There is a need for studies that examine the associations between maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and ASD outcomes.

    Maternal-infant immune signatures in infants at risk for SARS-CoV-2-associated neurodevelopmental disorders · 2026 · DOI

  • Prior studies have not observed perfusion impairment in placental tissue using the IVIM model. The effects of SARS-CoV-2 on placental tissue are not well understood.

    The MRI two-perfusion IVIM model improves understanding of SARS-CoV-2 virus impact on placental tissue · 2026 · DOI

  • This study has some limitations. First of all, the smallness of the subjects’ cohort, although healthy and COVID-19 subjects were GA-matched. Moreover, women affected by SARS-CoV-2 showed a heterogeneity in symptoms, hence they might also show different placental lesions.

    The MRI two-perfusion IVIM model improves understanding of SARS-CoV-2 virus impact on placental tissue · 2026 · DOI

  • It is important to acknowledge that our findings are limited to neutralizing antibody responses and do not capture the full spectrum of SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral or cellular immunity.

    Comparative immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant and non-pregnant women: a real-world cohort study · 2026 · DOI

  • Larger multicenter studies incorporating disease severity stratification, systemic inflammatory and endothelial biomarkers, and advanced retinal microvascular imaging techniques are warranted to further elucidate subtle or functional neuroretinal effects of COVID-19 during pregnancy.

    The effects of COVID-19 infection on ophthalmologic findings in pregnant women: a prospective controlled observational study · 2026 · DOI

  • We chose to retain these variables due to their theoretical significance within the ecosocial and weathering frameworks and their relevance to the study’s descriptive aims, but future work should consider formally evaluating and addressing potential collider bias in these relationships.

    Racial Disparities in Severe Maternal Morbidity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from the New Jersey Integrated Population Health Data Project · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need to study the effects of maternal COVID-19 infection on fetal and child development. The current study addresses this gap by evaluating vertebral column growth and anthropometric indicators in young children born to mothers who had COVID-19 during pregnancy.

    EFFECTS OF MATERNAL COVID-19 INFECTION ON VERTEBRAL COLUMN GROWTH AND ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICATORS IN YOUNG CHILDREN · 2026 · DOI

  • The biological mechanisms underlying reported menstrual changes following vaccination remain incompletely understood. Nevertheless, this study has several strengths, including its multicenter design, relatively large sample size, and inclusion of women from multiple Dubai Health facilities, contributing valuable regional data to the currently limited literature on menstrual changes following COVID-19 vaccination.

    Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination on the Menstrual Cycle Among Women in Dubai · 2026 · DOI

  • The study was limited by the facility-based nature of the study. The study was limited by the lack of stratification of exposure by clinical parameters. The study was limited by the retrospective nature of the data collection.

    Interpreting maternal and neonatal outcomes in COVID-19-affected pregnancies · 2026 · DOI

  • The need to understand child maltreatment risk and service responses during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. The gap in knowledge about the impact of the pandemic on child maltreatment reports and service delivery.

    County variations in child maltreatment risk and service responses during and post the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study · 2026 · DOI

  • Although our models adjusted for seasonal patterns, this limitation may influence interpretation of the observed changes. Third, we used a broad definition of child maltreatment, including all types of abuse and neglect to assess reporting. We recognize that the pandemic may have affected different types of child maltreatment, including neglect, in different ways.

    County variations in child maltreatment risk and service responses during and post the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study · 2026 · DOI

  • Further research is recommended to improve data completeness and generalizability. Studies on determinants of health can contribute to targeted strategies for improving maternal and fetal outcomes.

    Comorbidities and Pregnancy Complications as Determinants of COVID-19 Severity in Pregnant Women: a Retrospective Study at a National Maternal Referral Center · 2026 · DOI

  • Future studies can apply the NIOSH Industry and Occupation Coding tool to other populations and outcomes to examine occupational risks. Future research can examine the effectiveness of targeted interventions to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in high-risk industries and occupations.

    Applying a NIOSH Industry and Occupation Coding tool to evaluate occupational risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women · 2026 · DOI

  • Prior research on occupational risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women has been limited. There is a need for studies that examine the association between industry and occupation and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk in pregnant women.

    Applying a NIOSH Industry and Occupation Coding tool to evaluate occupational risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women · 2026 · DOI

  • The pandemic posed challenges for conducting research, including the need for videoconferencing and limited access to participants. The study faced challenges in terms of recruiting participants and collecting data.

    Nice but not essential: discourses on Dutch fathers’ involvement in maternity care and parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of specific information on the benefits of the Abdala vaccine for pregnant women. Pregnant and lactating women are excluded from clinical trials during vaccine development.

    Assessment of safety and immunogenicity of a protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine (ABDALA) in pregnant women: a single-cohort, multicenter, observational ESPIRTA study · 2026 · DOI

  • The gap is the lack of understanding of the relationship between COVID-19 infection and pregnancy outcomes. The gap is the lack of understanding of the association between COVID-19 infection and the mode of delivery.

    A CASE-CONTROL STUDY ON THE MODE OF DELIVERY IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH AND WITHOUT COVID-19 AND INFLAMMATORY MARKERS CRP AND FERRITIN · 2026 · DOI

  • Whether mucosal immunity adapts to different pregnancy stages is poorly understood.

    Pregnancy stages differentially impact maternal alveolar macrophages' function and immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection · 2026 · DOI

  • Few studies have evaluated changes and disparities in perinatal health using population-based data and rigorous methods.

    Perinatal Health and Healthcare Utilisation During the COVID ‐19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Interrupted Time Series Analysis · 2025 · DOI

  • In the Caribbean context, where fertility norms, union stability, and gendered expectations around contraception vary widely, relationship status may serve as a proxy for both sexual activity patterns and access to partner support for contraceptive use.

    Factors associated with contraceptive use among reproductive-age women during a pandemic: Evidence from a small developing state · 2026 · DOI

  • The study may have over-represented women with higher obstetric risk profiles.

    Interpreting maternal and neonatal outcomes in COVID-19-affected pregnancies · 2026 · DOI

  • The study used a qualitative approach and the sample size was limited. The study did not include a control group.

    Nice but not essential: discourses on Dutch fathers’ involvement in maternity care and parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic · 2026 · DOI

Most-cited papers in COVID-19 Impact on Reproduction

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Open questions raised by papers listed on this page include: (1) There is a lack of understanding of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on human embryonic development (“SARS-CoV-2 pseudoparticles preferentially infect ectoderm in human embryonic…”, 2026); (2) Further studies are needed to replicate the findings and examine the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy on fetal brain development (“Maternal-infant immune signatures in infants at risk for SARS-CoV-2-associated…”, 2026); (3) The effects of SARS-CoV-2 on placental tissue are not well understood (“The MRI two-perfusion IVIM model improves understanding of SARS-CoV-2 virus…”, 2026); (4) There is a need to study the effects of maternal COVID-19 infection on fetal and child development (“EFFECTS OF MATERNAL COVID-19 INFECTION ON VERTEBRAL COLUMN GROWTH AND…”, 2026); (5) The biological mechanisms underlying reported menstrual changes following vaccination remain incompletely understood (“Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination on the Menstrual Cycle Among Women in Dubai”, 2026). 257 gap statements have been mined from COVID-19 Impact on Reproduction papers in our 7.9M-paper local library, which holds 1,312 papers on the topic; the gaps come from whichever of those papers state one. They are mostly the research gaps the authors state and the papers' abstracts, plus future-work, limitations and challenges passages. The ones listed below are a selection still marked open; each names the study that raised it, with a DOI link where the paper has one, so you can read the original claim in context.

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