Maternal varicella during pregnancy
Chicken pox (varicella infection) during pregnancy can cause multiple foetal anomalies and foetal wastage. It is a known teratogenic agent. The teratogenic effects are:
- Cutaneous scars
- Microcephaly
- Atrophic limbs
- Microphthalmia
- Congenital cataract
- Chorioretinitis
- Low birth weight (LBW)
- Cerebrocortical atrophy
- Deafness
If infection in the mother develops within 5 days of delivery, there is risk of disseminated varicella infection in the infant. The infant should be given varicella immunoglobulin.
