Possible impact of the coronavirus on pregnancy outcomes

Pregnant women, like elderly people, are at risk for severe course of the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 due to the peculiarities of their immune status. Immunosuppression and other physiological changes during pregnancy contribute to increased susceptibility to respiratory pathogens and can cause severe pneumonia at different stages of gestation, which may lead to hospitalization in intensive care units and require mechanical ventilation. Early gestational periods are fundamental in fetal organ development, and the immune system is particularly sensitive at this stage, significantly affecting the course of the infectious process. Clinical manifestations of disease progression observed in pregnant women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection are generally similar to those in non-pregnant women with COVID-19 pneumonia. Laboratory tests typically show decreased levels of leukocytes and lymphocytes, mild thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver function test values. A general practitioner providing dynamic monitoring of pregnant women should be vigilant regarding possible severe course of the novel coronavirus infection against the background of pregnancy and take maximum measures to limit potential contacts of a pregnant woman in order to prevent her infection.