Rubella, also known as the German Measles, is a viral illness. If the infection occurs during pregnancy, it can result in what is known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Women in their first trimester of pregnancy are at greatest risk of developing a viremia and congenital birth defects from this illness. Congenital rubella syndrome is characterized by abnormalities including heart defects, deafness, and cataracts. (1) Other common abnormalities seen in the newborn are thrombocytopenia and encephalitis.