Rubella, also known as the German Measles, is typically a childhood disease that is mild. However, in pregnancy, when the mother has rubella, there are a number of problems that may occur.
If you have rubella in the first trimester, you have about a 25% risk of having a birth defect, known as congenital rubella syndrome. The defects can include:
- heart deformities
- hearing loss
- mental retardation
- eye deformities
- others
The good news is that many women today have already been vaccinated against rubella. At your first prenatal appointment, most practitioners will check your rubella status with blood work known as a rubella titer. This will let you know if you are immune from rubella. If you are not immune, you will be offered a rubella vaccination during the immediate postpartum period.
While most women are rubella immune, about 20 of childbearing aged women are at risk for contracting rubella. In your preconception planning, you can also screen for the rubella antibodies and become immunized if you are not immune. It is recommended that you wait at least a month from being vaccinated before becoming pregnant.
Rubella most commonly presents as a rash. It may also have flu like symptoms or no symptoms. Your best protection is to avoid infection. Good handwashing technique is a must. If you work with children or have older children and they contract rubella, you are at greater risk of contracting rubella. The most dangerous time to contract rubella is during the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage is much higher. If you think that you have rubella, you should contact your practitioner for more advice.
