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Updated: Dec 3, 2025

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
Changes in physiology and immune system during pregnancy and coronavirus infection: A review
Miaomiao Chen1, Jing Zeng2, Xiyao Liu2
1Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, No. 745 Wuluo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430070, China.
Insights
Pregnant women face higher risks from COVID-19 due to physiological changes. This study explores their susceptibility to coronaviruses and links maternal symptoms to perinatal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Virology and Immunology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, causing COVID-19, presents a global health challenge.
- Pregnant women are identified as a high-risk group for coronavirus infections.
- Previous coronaviruses include SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, with significant public health impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the reasons behind increased coronavirus susceptibility in pregnant women.
- To analyze the relationship between maternal clinical symptoms and coronavirus infection.
- To describe the impact of maternal coronavirus infection on perinatal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of physiological and immunological adaptations during pregnancy.
- Analysis of clinical data correlating maternal symptoms with infection status.
- Examination of perinatal outcomes in relation to maternal coronavirus infections.
Main Results:
- Pregnancy-induced physiological and immune system changes contribute to heightened susceptibility.
- Specific maternal clinical symptoms are associated with coronavirus infection.
- Coronavirus infections in pregnant women show correlations with adverse perinatal outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding pregnancy-specific vulnerabilities is crucial for managing coronavirus infections.
- Monitoring maternal symptoms aids in early detection and intervention.
- The findings highlight the importance of protecting pregnant women and their fetuses from viral threats.
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the 3rd epidemic coronavirus after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Since December 2019, the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has aroused great attention around the world. Pregnant women and their fetuses have been concerned as a high-risk population. We explained why pregnant women are susceptible to coronavirus in terms of their adaptive changes in physiology and immune system during pregnancy, and described the associations between maternal clinical symptoms, perinatal outcomes and coronavirus infections.
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