Question

Rubella infection in a pregnant patient, especially during the first trimester, can lead to?

a) Neural tube defects
b) Preterm labor
c) Congenital rubella syndrome
d) Polyhydramnios

Answer 1

Rubella infection in early pregnancy can lead to congenital rubella syndrome, which may cause stillbirths, spontaneous abortions, or severe birth defects.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rubella infection in a pregnant patient, especially during the first trimester, can lead to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). The rubella virus is teratogenic and can cause developmental defects when it crosses the placenta. Congenital rubella syndrome can result in a high incidence of stillbirths, spontaneous abortions, or congenital birth defects if the mother is infected during early pregnancy. For this reason, pregnant women often undergo prenatal screening for rubella as part of the standard prenatal care in the United States to prevent these severe outcomes.