What is referred to as congenital sequel?

Congenital sequel refers to conditions or defects that are present at birth, and these often arise due to various factors such as genetic abnormalities, maternal health issues during pregnancy, or infections that the mother may experience. Birth defects caused by maternal infections, such as those resulting from rubella or syphilis, are a primary example of congenital sequel, as they can have lasting impacts on the child's health and development.

The other options, while related to health conditions in infants or children, do not specifically relate to conditions that are present at birth. Postnatal complications focus on issues that arise after birth, genetic disorders can sometimes lead to conditions that are not evident until later, and chronic conditions developed in childhood do not fit the definition of congenital since they do not manifest at the time of birth. Therefore, the connection of maternal infections leading directly to birth defects solidifies the understanding that option A accurately captures the essence of what a congenital sequel is.