What complications can arise in a fetus whose mother has chicken pox?

When a mother contracts chickenpox during pregnancy, particularly in the first and second trimesters, there is a risk to the developing fetus. The correct answer focuses on specific congenital abnormalities that can occur as a result of maternal chickenpox infection.

One of the primary risks associated with maternal chickenpox is the development of congenital varicella syndrome, which includes a range of birth defects. The most notable complications related to this condition include microcephaly, which is characterized by a smaller than normal head size that can result from abnormal brain development. Eye defects are also a significant concern; affected infants may have problems such as cataracts, chorioretinitis, or other ocular abnormalities.

These complications stem from the teratogenic effects of the varicella-zoster virus during the critical periods of fetal development. In contrast, while respiratory issues, low birth weight, congenital heart disease, and neural tube defects are serious conditions, they are not typically linked to maternal chickenpox infection in the same way as microcephaly and eye defects are. Therefore, recognizing the specific risks associated with maternal chickenpox helps in understanding the potential outcomes for affected fetuses.