Congenital rubella syndrome - Definition and Overview

Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) can occur in a developing fetus of a pregnant woman who has contracted rubella during her first trimester. Problems rarely occur when rubella is contracted by the mother after 20 weeks of gestation.

CRS can result in serious birth defects such as:

• malformations of the heart, eyes or brain
• deafness
• spleen, liver or bone marrow problems (some of which may disappear shortly after birth)
• mental retardation

Children who have been exposed to rubella in the womb should also be watched closely as they age for any indication of the following:

• developmental delay
• growth retardation
• learning disabilities
• diabetes