A Pregnant Patient with COVID-19 Induced Colitis and Spontaneous Preterm Birth

Abstract

Background: Although COVID-19 infection typically presents with respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms are a part of the disease spectrum. Case: An otherwise healthy pregnant patient presented with diffuse abdominal pain at 24+1 weeks gestation. She was diagnosed with COVID-19 infection and diffuse colitis. Her symptoms worsened despite treatment, and she delivered a live male fetus at 24+2 weeks. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection can adversely affect maternal and fetal status in pregnancy due to its inflammatory response and resulting vascular dysfunction. COVID-19 infection should be suspected in a pregnant patient with gastrointestinal symptoms to avoid delay in diagnosis and treatment.