Greatest risk period for congenital varicella syndrome is which gestational window?

Greatest risk period for congenital varicella syndrome is which gestational window?

• A. 13 to 20 weeks gestation
• B. First week of pregnancy
• C. After delivery
• D. 34-38 weeks gestation

Answer: (A)

Maternal varicella infection carries a fetal risk that depends on gestational age; the virus can cross the placenta and disrupt fetal development, leading to congenital varicella syndrome. This risk is greatest during mid-pregnancy, around weeks 13 to 20, when fetal tissues such as skin, limbs, eyes, and the nervous system are particularly vulnerable to the virus. Infections earlier in the first trimester can still cause problems, but the peak risk for congenital malformations occurs in this 13–20 week window. After about 20 weeks, the risk of congenital anomalies decreases, and infection near delivery is more likely to result in neonatal varicella rather than congenital defects. Therefore, the greatest risk period is the 13 to 20 weeks gestation window.

Maternal varicella infection carries a fetal risk that depends on gestational age; the virus can cross the placenta and disrupt fetal development, leading to congenital varicella syndrome. This risk is greatest during mid-pregnancy, around weeks 13 to 20, when fetal tissues such as skin, limbs, eyes, and the nervous system are particularly vulnerable to the virus. Infections earlier in the first trimester can still cause problems, but the peak risk for congenital malformations occurs in this 13–20 week window. After about 20 weeks, the risk of congenital anomalies decreases, and infection near delivery is more likely to result in neonatal varicella rather than congenital defects. Therefore, the greatest risk period is the 13 to 20 weeks gestation window.