H OF THE FOLLOWING MOTHERS HAS A CHANCE OF BIRTHING A BABY WITH BIRTH DEFECTS DUE TO CONTRACTING RUBELLA DURING PREGNANCY?

a) A WOMAN WHO HAS THE ILLNESS DURING THE FIRST MONTH OF PREGNANCY?

B) A WOMAN WHO CONTRACTS THE DISEASE DURING THE SECOND TRIMESTER

C) ANY WOMAN IS EQUALLY AT RISK AT ANY POINT AFTER CONCEPTION UP UNTIL TERM

D) A WOMAN WHO CONTRACTS THE DISEASE AT OR ARAOUND THE TIME OF BIRTH

I THINK IT IS C. BUT I HAVE DOUBTS WITH A.

CAN SOMEONE MAKE THE TIME PERIOD CLEAR OR GIVE ME AN OPINION ON A,B C, OR D?

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Check these sites for your answer.

http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/188_673.asp

http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/complications/rubella.aspx

To determine which of the following mothers has a chance of birthing a baby with birth defects due to contracting rubella during pregnancy, let's analyze each option:

a) A woman who has the illness during the first month of pregnancy: This option refers to contracting rubella during the first trimester, specifically within the first month of pregnancy. This period is considered to be the most critical for the development of the baby's organs. If a woman contracts rubella during this time, there is a significantly higher chance of birth defects, including congenital rubella syndrome. Hence, option a) is correct.

b) A woman who contracts the disease during the second trimester: Contracting rubella during the second trimester is generally less risky compared to the first trimester. By this time, most of the baby's vital organs have already formed. However, there is still a small chance of birth defects, although it is lower than during the first trimester.

c) Any woman is equally at risk at any point after conception until term: This option implies that the risk of birthing a baby with birth defects due to rubella remains the same regardless of when during pregnancy the woman contracts the disease. However, this statement is incorrect. As mentioned earlier, the first trimester poses the highest risk, while the risk decreases in the second and third trimesters.

d) A woman who contracts the disease at or around the time of birth: If a woman gets infected with rubella at or around the time of birth, it generally does not pose a risk to the developing fetus. Rubella does not typically cross the placenta during labor, so the baby's exposure to the virus in this scenario is minimal.

In summary, the correct answer is a) A woman who has the illness during the first month of pregnancy. This is the most critical period for potential birth defects due to rubella.