A pregnant woman is exposed to an infection that could affect both mother and baby; which infection is most likely?

• A. Mumps
• B. Molluscum contagiosum
• C. Chickenpox
• D. Scabies

Answer: (C)

In pregnancy, the infections most likely to affect both mother and fetus are those that can cross the placenta and cause fetal harm. Chickenpox (varicella) fits this pattern because the varicella‑zoster virus can be transmitted from mother to fetus. If a pregnant person contracts primary varicella early in pregnancy, it can lead to congenital varicella syndrome with abnormalities like limb hypoplasia and eye or brain involvement. If infection occurs near delivery, the newborn can develop severe neonatal varicella, which can be life‑threatening.

The other options are less concerning for fetal involvement. Mumps can be serious for the mother but is not known for causing congenital malformations. Molluscum contagiosum and scabies are mainly skin‑level conditions and do not typically pose a risk of fetal infection or congenital disease.