What is the primary concern of transplacental infections during pregnancy?

The primary concern of transplacental infections during pregnancy is infections. This is because certain pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites, can cross the placental barrier and adversely affect the developing fetus. These infections can lead to severe complications, including developmental defects, miscarriage, preterm labor, and even neonatal infections.

Infections like toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and zika virus are known to cause significant morbidity and mortality in both the mother and the fetus. The ability of these pathogens to access the fetal circulation presents unique risks that can have long-lasting implications for the child's health.

While dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and hypertension are all concerns during pregnancy, they do not directly relate to the specific risks posed by transplacental infections. Dehydration and nutrient deficiencies can impact maternal health and fetal development but do not involve the transfer of pathogens. Hypertension primarily affects maternal health and can lead to conditions like preeclampsia but is not categorized under infections. Thus, infections pose a direct and significant risk in the context of transplacental transmission.