EMQ — Extended Matching Question · Review
Question 763
Obstetric infection → Viral
Classification
Question
EEMQQuestion Header
Select the single most appropriate counselling statement.
Question Stem
A woman develops uncomplicated chickenpox at 9 weeks of pregnancy. She is particularly worried that the infection will cause miscarriage. Which counselling statement is most appropriate?
Answer Bank
A
First-trimester chickenpox is associated with a major increase in spontaneous miscarriage
B
Miscarriage is inevitable if infection occurs before 12 weeks
C
The risk of spontaneous miscarriage does not appear to be increased
D
Immediate termination of pregnancy is recommended
E
VZIG given after the rash develops prevents miscarriage
F
Delivery should be planned at 28 weeks
G
Amniocentesis must be performed immediately
H
Fetal varicella syndrome occurs in most first-trimester infections
Correct Answer
C. The risk of spontaneous miscarriage does not appear to be increased
Explanation
The guideline advises that spontaneous miscarriage does not appear to be increased when chickenpox occurs in the first trimester. This is distinct from the small risk of fetal varicella syndrome associated with maternal infection during the first 28 weeks.
Option Validity
A) The guideline does not identify an increased spontaneous miscarriage risk.
B) Miscarriage is not inevitable.
D) Maternal chickenpox alone is not an indication for termination.
E) VZIG has no therapeutic benefit after chickenpox has developed.
F) There is no recommendation for routine preterm delivery on this basis.
G) Immediate amniocentesis is inappropriate.
H) FVS is uncommon, not the usual outcome.
Further Reading
RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 13. Chickenpox in Pregnancy. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; January 2015, minor update 2024.