What potential effects can Maternal Rubella have on a child?

Maternal rubella, contracted during pregnancy, can lead to significant health issues for the fetus due to the teratogenic effects of the virus. One of the most serious potential effects is the risk of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which can manifest in various ways, including intellectual disabilities, as well as visual and hearing impairments. These outcomes stem from the virus's impact on fetal development, particularly during the first trimester when critical organs and systems are forming. The presence of these impairments highlights the importance of maternal vaccination against rubella prior to conception and during childbearing years to prevent these adverse effects. This underscores why the correct answer focuses on the significant and serious developmental concerns linked to rubella rather than any potential benefits that are inaccurately suggested by the other options.