It helps prevent spinal and brain defects in the baby. (doctor-info.website)
Such effects might be strong enough to cause the baby's death, particularly if the baby has an underlying brain defect. (childbirthsolutions.com)
Zika appears to be most dangerous when transmitted from a pregnant mother to her fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy, increasing the likelihood of severe brain defects in the baby, including microcephaly. (sciencedaily.com)