What are the risks of maternal varicella infection during the first trimester?

Maternal varicella infection during the first trimester is associated with specific congenital anomalies known as congenital varicella syndrome (CVS). This condition can result in significant physical deformities, which include skin scarring and hypoplastic extremities.

When a mother contracts varicella (chickenpox) early in pregnancy, there is a risk that the virus can affect the developing fetus. The risks associated with CVS particularly manifest in cases where the infection occurs within the first 20 weeks of gestation, when organogenesis is occurring. The manifestations of CVS can include cutaneous scarring and limb hypoplasia (underdeveloped limbs), as well as other abnormalities like ocular defects and neurological issues.

While other risks like premature rupture of membranes or intrauterine growth restriction can occur with various maternal infections, they are not specifically associated with varicella in the way that skin scarring and hypoplastic extremities are. Similarly, connections between varicella infection and risks such as childhood asthma are less direct and not among the foremost concerns related to maternal infection during the first trimester.

Thus, the association of maternal varicella infection with skin scarring and hypoplastic extremities is well-documented and underscores the importance of vaccination and careful management