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.

1. Importance of diet in pregnancy
2. Congenital rubella
3. Maternal and Child health problems in India
4. Objectives of antenatal care