How does rubella infection during pregnancy affect fetal development?

Rubella infection during pregnancy can have serious consequences for fetal development, particularly when the mother is infected during the first trimester. The virus crosses the placenta from the maternal bloodstream, potentially leading to a condition known as congenital rubella syndrome.12

The risk of fetal malformation is highest during the early stages of pregnancy. Research indicates that maternal infection within the first eight weeks of gestation is associated with congenital malformations in more than 50 percent of cases. This risk decreases to approximately 20 percent by the 16th week and drops significantly after 20 weeks of gestation.21

Congenital rubella syndrome is characterized by defects in several vital areas, most commonly involving the:
* Heart
* Eyes
* Brain
* Large arteries

In some cases, fetal infection may also result in the loss of the fetus. While these congenital defects can be life-altering, some heart-related malformations may be addressed through surgery. To prevent these outcomes, it is recommended that women of childbearing age who have not had a natural infection be immunized prior to pregnancy.1