Rubella In Pregnancy

Rubella In Pregnancy (German Measles)

Rubella also referred to as German measles is a very mild infection that is caused by a virus. Rubella In Pregnancy can be a serious issue.

It is characterized by a low-grade fever and mild cold-like symptoms followed by a rash.
The glands in the neck develop swelling.
The sickness lasts for about 3 days.
Most people do not even know they have the infection as the symptoms are very mild.
Rubella spreads by droplets in the air (sneezing and coughing) i.e. close contact with an infected person.
The infection is self-limiting and there is no treatment for rubella infection.

It is characterized by a low-grade fever and mild cold-like symptoms followed by a rash.
The glands in the neck develop swelling.
The sickness lasts for about 3 days.
Most people do not even know they have the infection as the symptoms are very mild.
Rubella spreads by droplets in the air (sneezing and coughing) i.e. close contact with an infected person.
The infection is self-limiting and there is no treatment for rubella infection.

All children are given the MMR vaccine in childhood and this can prevent Rubella.
When women are planning a pregnancy then they should get a blood test done prior to getting pregnant which will tell them whether they are protected against rubella.
If you have taken the vaccine or ever had the infection, then you will have the antibodies, and you are protected from the infection.
If the blood test shows that you are not protected against rubella, then you should take the Rubella vaccine as soon as possible.
But inadvertent Rubella vaccination in the preconception period or in early pregnancy should not be considered an indication for termination of pregnancy. Just one dose is adequate for protection.

This vaccine cannot be taken during pregnancy. After vaccination, one needs to avoid pregnancy for at least 4 weeks.
Pregnant women should avoid contact with people who have rashes that cover most of their body and that have been present for less than one week.
But if a pregnant woman is exposed to an individual with the infection and does not have immunity then she will require intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV) treatment within 6 days of measles exposure.
Pregnant women who do not have protection can take the vaccine during the post-partum period.