What is the problem with acute Q fever in pregnant women?

What is the problem with acute Q fever in pregnant women?

• A. No effect on pregnancy outcomes
• B. Increased risk for neonatal jaundice
• C. Increased risk for pre-term delivery and miscarriage
• D. Increased risk for pre-term delivery only

Answer: (D)

Acute Q fever during pregnancy can involve the placenta and fetus, provoking inflammation and placental dysfunction that threaten the pregnancy. The most consistent obstetric risks are miscarriage and preterm delivery, meaning the infection can lead to early labor or loss of pregnancy, not just one isolated outcome. Neonatal jaundice is not the primary issue associated with maternal Q fever. So the correct emphasis is on both preterm delivery and miscarriage, rather than preterm delivery alone or no effect at all.

Acute Q fever during pregnancy can involve the placenta and fetus, provoking inflammation and placental dysfunction that threaten the pregnancy. The most consistent obstetric risks are miscarriage and preterm delivery, meaning the infection can lead to early labor or loss of pregnancy, not just one isolated outcome. Neonatal jaundice is not the primary issue associated with maternal Q fever. So the correct emphasis is on both preterm delivery and miscarriage, rather than preterm delivery alone or no effect at all.