Rubella During Pregnancy: Everything You Need to Know

Are you an expecting mother? Congratulations on your pregnancy! Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but it's important to be aware of the potential health risks that it comes with. One such health risk includes rubella. It is a contagious viral infection that can cause severe birth defects like CRS (Congenital rubella syndrome) in babies born to infected mothers. ^{1, 2} Understanding the risks and taking necessary precautions is vital for ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby. So, let’s dive into this blog to learn more about rubella during pregnancy.

What Is Rubella?

Rubella, often referred to as German measles or three-day measles, is a viral infection that can lead to the development of red rashes. In many cases, individuals may not display any noticeable symptoms. Nonetheless, certain symptoms might emerge, such as a mild fever, a sore throat, and the appearance of rashes. However, if a pregnant woman gets rubella, it can cause serious problems for the baby.³

For example, the baby could be born with deafness, heart problems, or intellectual disabilities.² Globally, it's estimated that more than 100,000 babies are born with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) every year. About half of these births happen in the Southeast Asia Region.⁴

Now that we've gotten the basics down, let's talk more about the symptoms of rubella and how it can affect pregnancy.

What Are The Symptoms Of Rubella?

Rubella symptoms can be pretty hard to notice, especially in kids. The symptoms usually appear 14 to 21 days after you've been exposed to the virus and last for about 3 days. Here are some things to watch out for: ³

• A slight fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or lower
• Headache
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Red, itchy eyes
• A red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially during pregnancy, it’s important to be cautious. Let’s take a look at how rubella is spread.

How Is Rubella Spread?

Rubella can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can land in the nose or mouth of someone who is nearby, and that person can then become infected. Rubella is most contagious when the rash is at its peak.³

Now that you know what rubella is, how it's caused, and its symptoms, you may be wondering:

How Can Rubella Affect Pregnancy?

If you end up catching rubella during your pregnancy, there's a chance that the virus might spread to your little munchkin too! And that's something you want to avoid because it can cause some serious problems for the baby, including intellectual disability, cloudy vision, deafness, and heart problems.² These birth defects can occur because the virus can interfere with the development of the baby's organs and systems especially if the mother is not immune to the virus.⁵

Know The Chances Of Passing Rubella To Your Baby During Pregnancy

The risk of passing rubella to your baby is highest during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.⁵ This is because the baby's organs and organ systems are still developing during this time, and any interference from the virus can cause serious birth defects.⁶

But hey, it's not all doom and gloom! As you progress through your pregnancy, the chances of complications decrease. So, after 20 weeks, the risk is much lower, and you can breathe a little easier.⁵

However, it's always better to be prepared. So, if you haven't been vaccinated or you're not sure if you have immunity, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. 

Now, let's take a look at the treatment options for rubella during pregnancy.

Rubella Treatment

When it comes to rubella, unfortunately, there's no magic pill to make it disappear in a flash. But don't worry, in most cases, the symptoms are pretty mild. However, for those who experience a bit more discomfort, there are ways to manage it. However, if you happen to catch rubella, taking plenty of bed rest and fever-reducing medicines like acetaminophen can help relieve symptoms.⁷

Conclusion

When it comes to rubella during pregnancy, it's important to be safe. Protecting yourself and your little one is paramount. Getting vaccinated against rubella with the MMR vaccine before pregnancy is a good idea.³ It ensures a healthy start for your baby. MMR vaccine stands for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. It is a live virus vaccine that is given to children in two doses: one at 12-15 months of age and one at 4-6 years of age.⁸ The full schedule of MMR vaccine is advised during childhood only, and especially for the girl child who is a prospective mother. This is because rubella infection during pregnancy can have serious consequences for the developing baby. Stay informed and consult your doctor to make sure you're all set. A little precaution now goes a long way in safeguarding your baby's well-being.

So, take care and embrace the journey to motherhood with confidence!

FAQs

Q1. What Should I Do If I Think I Have Rubella?

If you think you might have rubella, it's important to see your doctor soon. They can run some tests to see if you have the virus and give you treatment if you do.³

Q2. Can Rubella Be Prevented?

Yes, Rubella can be prevented by vaccination. The MMR (measle-mumps-rubella) vaccine is a shot that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. It's safe and effective, and doctors recommend that all children should get vaccinated against rubella.³

Q3. How Is Rubella Spread?

Rubella spreads when someone who's infected coughs or sneezes. Those tiny respiratory droplets carry the rubella germs and can land on other people nearby. It can also spread if you come into contact with the fluid from the eyes or nose of an infected person.³

Q4. How Can I Prevent The Spread Of Rubella?

Here are some ways you can help prevent the spread of rubella:^{3, 9}

• Make sure you're vaccinated against rubella.
• Stay away from those who are unwell or have rubella.
• Keep your hands clean by washing them often.