How rubella infection affects pregnancy: Causes, complications, and vaccination

Overview of rubella infection
Rubella, also known as German measles, is an infectious disease caused by a virus and is best identified by a rash. The RNA virus is transmitted through exposure to droplets of an infected person. Such an infection may attack a pregnant woman and can have dire complications if not identified and treated timely.(Image: Canva)

Clinical features in the mother
Maternal Rubella infection often shows clinical features like a rash, a feeling of malaise, fever and enlargement of lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy). This contagious infection may also cause inflammation of multiple joints, leading to joint pain.(Image: Canva)

Transmission to the foetus
The RNA virus causing Rubella may be transmitted from the mother to the foetus through the placenta. The highest risk of the foetus developing anomalies is during the first month, about 60%. It may also lead to congenital problems when the mother is infected during the second or the third month.(Image: Canva)

Main systems affected
Many systems may be involved when Rubella infects the foetus. Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) mainly includes problems in the ear, like sensorineural deafness, and cardiac defects like patent ductus arteriosus. It may also cause anaemia and a reduced number of platelets in the baby.(Image: Canva)

Liver and eye changes
The liver and the spleen may also get affected, leading to an increase in their size. Jaundice may be seen in the baby in some cases. The eyes of the foetus may show changes of cataract and retinopathy, along with a cloudiness of the cornea.(Image: Canva)

Teratogenic effects of rubella
The virus mostly affects the foetus and is extremely teratogenic (anything that causes an interruption in the normal development of the baby in the mother’s womb), especially during the first three months. Bone defects like osteopathies are also seen due to infection of the foetus by Rubella.(Image: Canva)

Pregnancy outcomes and transmission
Rubella infection also increases the chances of abortions and congenital malformations. Besides, an infant with Rubella may become a source of infection to others as well. It is necessary to get vaccinated against Rubella, as the antibodies against Rubella from the vaccine stay for life.(Image: Canva)

Detection of rubella
In case the mother infected with Rubella is not vaccinated, the healthcare provider might consider therapeutic termination of pregnancy. A Polymerase Chain Reaction test may be recommended by the healthcare professional to detect the presence of the viral RNA that causes Rubella.(Image: Canva)

Tests to detect foetal infection
To check whether the foetus has been infected with Rubella, a PCR may be done by using samples from the chorionic villi (finger-like projections that extend from the outer membrane of the foetus and form a part of the placenta), foetal blood and the amniotic fluid.(Image: Canva)

Vaccination guidelines for women
While the MMR vaccine is available, and is often given during eleven to thirteen months of age in children, it is not recommended in pregnant females. Whenever it is given during the child-bearing period, pregnancy must be prevented within three months, which may be done with the help of contraceptive measures.(Image: Canva)
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis