What are the teratogenic effects of rubella on the fetus?

• A. Rubella can cause severe defects in the fetus.
• B. Rubella has no effect on the fetus.
• C. Rubella only causes neonatal jaundice.
• D. Rubella leads to fetal death in all cases.

Answer: (A)

Rubella during pregnancy acts as a teratogen, because the virus can cross the placenta and disrupt fetal development, especially when infection occurs in the first trimester. This can lead to congenital rubella syndrome, with serious defects such as sensorineural hearing loss, cataracts, and congenital heart disease (most often patent ductus arteriosus). Additional problems may include microcephaly, growth restriction, liver and spleen involvement, and a blueberry muffin rash from extramedullary hematopoiesis. The risk and severity are highest with early pregnancy infection, and maternal immunity or vaccination greatly reduces the risk. The other options don’t fit because rubella can cause significant fetal harm, isn’t limited to neonatal jaundice, isn’t guaranteed to cause fetal death in all cases, and can have effects beyond a single mild outcome.