Worried about Contracting Rubella in Pregnancy? Read this

Unwanted Challenges in Pregnancy

Maintaining the health and wellbeing of the developing baby as well as the mother is a responsibility that comes with the amazing journey of pregnancy, which is also full of joy and excitement. Pregnancy can be a risk factor for contracting rubella, also known as German measles, a virus that can have serious consequences. The dangers of rubella during pregnancy and the significance of prevention will be discussed in this blog.

 The rubella virus, which is primarily transmitted by respiratory droplets, is the cause of rubella. Rubella infections during pregnancy can have far more serious consequences, even though the illness's symptoms in adults and children may be quite minor.

Symptoms of Rubella

 The virus that causes rubella, also known as German measles, is an infection.The rubella virus, which belongs to the Togaviridae family, is the cause of rubella. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets are the main way in which it is spread. CRS can also result from the virus being passed from mother to child during pregnancy. A rash,fever, sore throat,general body aches, and swollen glands are typically the symptoms of a mild illness. Though it can affect anyone, it most frequently affects young children.

Risks to the Pregnancy

In the first few months of pregnancy, if you contract rubella, also known as German measles, you run the risk of seriously harming your unborn child. Congenital rubella syndrome is the term for when the virus damages a developing baby's organs and may result in significant birth defects. Cataracts, deafness, and anomalies of the heart, lungs, and brain are among the issues connected to pure rubella syndrome. You run a higher chance of miscarriage if you contract rubella during the first three months of your pregnancy.

The first 12 weeks of pregnancy are the most risky, with a high chance of the baby contracting rubella from you while still in the womb (uterus). These are the first 20 weeks of pregnancy when the baby is most likely to develop congenital rubella syndrome. If you are more than 20 weeks pregnant, the risk is substantially reduced.

Pregnancy-related rubella infection is linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, especially in the first trimester. 

The risk of preterm birth and low birth weight is increased by rubella infection, which presents further difficulties for the newborn's growth and health.

Before Pregnancy

A blood test ought to be performed before getting pregnant. In order to determine whether you are immune to rubella, a blood test for rubella immunity looks for antibodies in your blood (German measles).

Rubella antibodies can be found in blood tests, which can reveal whether a person has had the vaccination or has already been infected.

Ultrasound scans can be used to track foetal development and spot any possible abnormalities linked to CRS.

Vaccination is the best line of defence against rubella during pregnancy. Usually, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine includes the rubella vaccine. But since the vaccine is not advised to be taken while pregnant, it is imperative that women get it before getting pregnant.

 Preconception counselling should be sought by women who are ready to have children in order to evaluate their immunity and address any potential rubella risks.

The risk of infection can be decreased by practising good hygiene, such as frequently washing your hands, and avoiding close contact with people who have the rubella virus or other infectious diseases.

If Contracted During Pregnancy

Near contact, such as sharing a room with an infected person, is typically how rubella, also known as German measles, is contracted. You should find out if you have rubella if you are pregnant and you

 

come into contact with someone who has the illness or is suspected of having it. A record of this (from earlier blood tests) might exist with your midwife or physician. Most women won't get rubella because they are immune from it from prior immunisations.

In the event that you are immune to rubella, no additional steps are required.Blood tests are typically recommended if you come into contact with someone who has rubella or is suspected of having it while you are pregnant. These can detect the presence of rubella even before symptoms appear. The outcomes of these tests will determine what happens next. Even though congenital rubella syndrome does not develop if you contract rubella after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the tests are conducted regardless of your pregnancy status.

Check Your Immunity

It's possible that your body hasn't produced enough antibodies to protect you from the rubella virus, even if you've received the rubella (German measles) vaccination or have already contracted the illness. Only a blood test can determine whether the immunisation was successful. Rubella antibodies are checked with this. If you are considering getting pregnant for the first time, you should get a blood test to make sure you are protected from congenital rubella syndrome because it is crucial to prevent. 

If you are considering becoming pregnant, you should request a blood test from your doctor or practice nurse if you haven't already had one. You can get immunised before getting pregnant if you are not immune.

Vaccination is the best line of defence against rubella during pregnancy. Usually, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine includes the rubella vaccine. But since the vaccine is not advised to be taken while pregnant, it is imperative that women get it before getting pregnant.