A mother's infection rubella (German measles)can cause her child to be born with severe intellectual disability,especially if the mother contracts the infection in the _________ of pregnancy.

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Rubella infection during the first trimester (first three months) of pregnancy is particularly concerning because the virus can cross the placenta and infect the developing fetus, causing a range of birth defects including severe intellectual disability. Rubella infection in the second or third trimester is less likely to cause intellectual disability, but can still lead to other birth defects. Rubella infection in the last few days before delivery is unlikely to harm the baby, but the baby may still be born with the infection and can spread it to others.

A Mother's Infection Rubella (German Measles)can Cause Her Child to Be