P35: Congenital viral diseases

P35.0: Congenital rubella syndrome

Rubella is caused by viruses. The viruses can pass from the mother to the child via the placenta, and harm the child.

The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The umbilical cord connects the child to the placenta. The child is supplied with oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood via the placenta.

If the mother contracts rubella for the first time while pregnant, the child's health can be harmed. The child may then suffer a heart defect. Moreover, the eyes may suffer from clouding or other changes. The child may not be able to hear properly. The child can also get a lung inflammation if it got infected by rubella while in the womb.