What can be a result of maternal infections during pregnancy?

Maternal infections during pregnancy can lead to congenital defects, which are physical or functional abnormalities that are present at birth. When a mother contracts certain infections during critical periods of fetal development, the pathogens can cross the placenta and impact the developing fetus. This can result in a range of congenital anomalies, depending on the type of infection and the timing of the infection during gestation.

For example, infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, and Zika virus have been linked to serious birth defects, including developmental delays and malformations. This underscores the importance of prenatal care and monitoring for infections in pregnant women to minimize risks to the fetus and promote healthy pregnancies.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the impact of maternal infections during pregnancy. Decreased appetite may be a symptom experienced by some pregnant women but is not a direct consequence of maternal infections. Heightened immunity is typically not observed during infection; rather, infections can compromise a woman's immune response. Improved maternal health is unlikely during an infection; the presence of an infection generally poses risks to both maternal and fetal health.