Which disease is associated with congenital defects if contracted during pregnancy?

• A. Rubella
• B. Measles
• C. Mumps
• D. Varicella

Answer: (A)

Infection during pregnancy can cause birth defects, and rubella is the classic example of this. If a pregnant person contracts rubella, especially in the first trimester, the virus can cross the placenta and disrupt fetal development, leading to congenital rubella syndrome. This can produce eye problems like cataracts, hearing loss, heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus, as well as CNS and growth issues. The risk is highest early in pregnancy, which is why vaccination before pregnancy is so important.

Measles and mumps don’t have a well-known, specific link to congenital defects in the newborn, though they are serious diseases for the mother. Varicella can cause fetal problems if infection occurs early, but rubella is the disease most classically associated with congenital defects when contracted during pregnancy.