What risks does a pregnant woman face if she contracts measles?

The risk of increased chances of pregnancy complications is particularly significant when a pregnant woman contracts measles. Measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and acute gastrointestinal complications, which can pose dangers not just to the mother but also to the developing fetus.

Pregnant women with measles are at a higher risk of experiencing preterm labor, miscarriage, and low birth weight, which can all arise from measles infection during pregnancy. These complications highlight the critical importance of vaccination prior to pregnancy and maintaining the health of the mother to reduce the risks that measles poses during this vulnerable time.

In contrast, the other choices point to potential issues like fetal diabetes, lifelong illnesses, or fertility concerns, which are not direct complications associated with measles during pregnancy. The primary focus should remain on the immediate complications that arise due to a measles infection during the gestational period.