A miscarriage or serious birth defects may occur in pregnant women who are exposed to rubella any time during the first three months of pregnancy. These birth defects include heart defects, deafness, cataracts, spleen and liver damage, and mental retardation. Pregnant women who have had German measles, or a rubella vaccination, are protected. Women of childbearing age should check with their healthcare provider to make sure they are protected before they get pregnant. Blood tests can be done which will tell whether or not you have an immunity to rubella.
Children can develop serious secondary infections from the measles.
It is important that all children be immunized against the measles to protect them. If the child is a female, it will also protect her against the problems that come on with the combination of rubella and a pregnancy. Since maternal antibodies protect newborns their first year, the rubella vaccine is given to children around their first birthday. Call your local health department or healthcare provider for more information on immunization programs. All Rights Reserved.