Most women desire to become a mother at some point in their lives. It brings massive joy and fulfillment. At the same, pregnancy includes a lot of risk elements. You may face several issues. Rubella in pregnancy is yet another severe illness that may lead to birth defects or even miscarriage. German measles or Rubella is an infection that affects lymph nodes and skin. Usually, rubella causes mild-flu like symptoms with a rash in the body.
More than half of rubella-infected individuals don’t exhibit any symptoms. The lack of proper diagnosis may result in the spread of the disease. Rubella in pregnancy is a serious condition that may affect your baby. Rubella during pregnancy causes severe damage in the initial stages mostly in the first trimester or within 12 weeks.
Vaccination against the rubella virus is the only way to protect us from this harsh disease. Rubella is common in several countries. Being unaware of this disease may turn you into a carrier. It’s important to get vaccinated against the rubella virus. Additionally, you can consult the best gynecology hospital to make sure you’re protected against it. Doctors suggest a blood test to confirm your immunity to the rubella virus.
The signs and symptoms of rubella during pregnancy
Rubella often shows mild flu-like symptoms followed by a light-pink or red rash. The rash usually lasts for about three days starting from the face and spreading to other body parts.
The symptoms of rubella in pregnancy include,
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Sore throat
- Red eyes or pink eyes
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Swollen glands behind ears or neck
- Cough
- Low-grade fever – lower than 102 F or 38.9 C
As per the studies, almost 70% of the women infected with rubella develop arthritis in the wrist, knees, and fingers. When it comes to men and children, they don’t have many symptoms. So, being ignorant, they pass the disease to others.
What are the causes of rubella?
Rubella virus is a tiny organism that makes people sick. It’s not the same virus that causes measles. It’s infectious and spreads through the air. If an infected person sneezes or coughs, it’s transmitted to other individuals. If a pregnant woman is infected, it can be passed to a baby in the womb. Rubella spread up to 7 days before you notice a rash in the body. The infected people continue to spread rubella until 7 days after noticing a rash.
Rubella in pregnancy
Rubella is a mild disease but it’s severe during pregnancy. The severity depends on when it’s contracted during pregnancy. The higher risk rate is during the first trimester of pregnancy.
The complications include,
- CRS or congenital rubella syndrome is a condition where the fetus is infected by the virus transmission from the mother. If the fetus is infected within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, you give birth to a baby with few health problems.
- Eye problems, heart damage, hearing problems, diabetes, low birth weight, growth and developmental delays, and mental retardation are the adverse effects of rubella in pregnancy.
- Some conditions may lead to premature birth – early than the delivery date before 37 weeks
- Stillbirth or death of a baby after 20 weeks is another complication due to rubella.
- If a fetus is infected between 12 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, you face mild problems.
- If a fetus is infected after 20 weeks, the damage to the fetus doesn’t affect the child’s life.
Rubella’s treatment during pregnancy
Other than pregnant women, rubella is a mild disease that requires bed rest and painkillers to relieve the symptoms.
When it comes to pregnant women, the basic course of action is to get vaccinated. But make sure to get vaccinated before you get pregnant. A vaccine during pregnancy is not recommended by the doctors.
As far as rubella treatment in pregnancy, there is no cure instead the complications last lifelong in the children.
How to prevent rubella during pregnancy?
Vaccination is the only way to prevent the rubella virus. Most importantly, take your vaccination before getting pregnant.
The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) is given during our childhood. If not, take the vaccine at least a month before getting pregnant. For this purpose, consult the best obstetrics and gynecology hospital.
Doctors usually suggest a rubella IgG positive test in the first trimester of pregnancy. An IgG-positive test means you don’t need a vaccine shot. On the other hand, a negative rubella IgG test means, you must be cautious of being infected by rubella virus.
To avoid complications, screen for the rubella virus before planning your pregnancy.
Are you expecting a safe pregnancy? Then contact your doctor now!
