Rubella - Definition & Explanation for Mothers

Table of Contents

Definition

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral infection. It’s known for its distinctive red rash and is especially dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause serious birth defects. This is why a rubella immunity test is often administered during prenatal appointments.

Key Takeaways

Rubella, also known as German measles, is an infectious disease that can cause serious complications during pregnancy. If a mother contracts this illness, it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe birth defects in the developing baby.
A pregnant mother can pass the Rubella virus to her fetus if she contracts the infection. This can result in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), causing multiple defects in the infant that can include blindness, deafness, heart abnormalities, and brain damage.
Prevention of rubella is achieved through vaccination. Women who plan to become pregnant should ensure they’re vaccinated against rubella before pregnancy, as the vaccine can’t be given during pregnancy. Immunity can be checked with a blood test.

Importance

Rubella, also known as German measles, is of significant importance in terms of motherhood because of the severe impact it can have on unborn children when contracted by expectant mothers, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy.

This viral infection can lead to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), resulting in various congenital deformities in the unborn child, such as heart disorders, hearing and visual impairments, neurological abnormalities, and developmental delays.

Rubella infection is thus a critical concern in prenatal care.

Women of childbearing age are often screened for Rubella immunity, and the Rubella vaccine is typically administered before pregnancy to mitigate this risk, illustrating the importance of the term in the context of motherhood and prenatal health.

Explanation

Rubella, also known as German measles, holds great significance in the context of motherhood as it directly correlates with the health of both the mother and her unborn child. The purpose of discussing Rubella in this context is primarily to emphasize the importance of immunization before pregnancy.

If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy, it can lead to severe birth defects, or Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), in the unborn baby. By diagnosing and immunizing against rubella prior to pregnancy, potential risks related to the disease can be effectively minimized or entirely prevented.

When a woman is planning to become pregnant, testing for Rubella immunity is a usual part of preconception care. The test checks the level of IgG antibodies that are present in the blood, which indicates if a woman is immune to the disease—either from vaccination or a previous rubella infection.

If she is not immune, a vaccine can be administered at least 28 days before trying to conceive. This measure is a preemptive strategy, an effort that aims to protect both the potential mother and her future child from the harmful effects of the disease.

Examples of Rubella

Jane Doe Case: In 2010, a pregnant woman named Jane Doe from Seattle, USA was tested positive for Rubella during her prenatal checkup. Since she was unvaccinated, the disease posed a significant risk to her unborn child who could potentially be affected by Congenital Rubella Syndrome, a condition that can result in birth defects like hearing loss, heart defects, and intellectual disabilities. Jane was fatigued and had mild fever which are common symptoms of Rubella. Her case sparked a local public health campaign about the importance of Rubella vaccination.

Makiho Niinuma Case: In 1990, Makiho Niinuma, a woman in Japan contracted rubella during her first trimester of pregnancy. Due to the lack of public awareness about the effects of the disease on unborn children, her son was born with congenital rubella syndrome which included cataracts, deafness and heart defects. This case led to increased advocacy for rubella vaccination among women of childbearing age in Japan.

Esmeralda Gutierrez Case: In 2000, a Texas woman, Esmeralda Gutierrez, contracted rubella just before getting pregnant with her son, with her not knowing about her condition until her son was born with profound hearing loss and heart defects due to Congenital Rubella Syndrome. As a result, Esmeralda has spent years advocating for the importance of rubella vaccination and regular health check-ups, particularly for women planning to conceive.

FAQs on Rubella and Motherhood

What is rubella?

Rubella, also known as German measles, is an infection caused by the rubella virus. It’s generally a mild disease in children; its primary medical danger is the infection of pregnant women because it can affect developing babies.

What are the symptoms of rubella?

Common symptoms of rubella include low-grade fever, sore throat, rash, headache, and eye irritation. However, some people may not experience any symptoms.

How does rubella affect pregnancy?

When a woman is infected with rubella early in pregnancy, she has a 90% chance of passing the virus on to her fetus. This can lead to serious birth defects such as heart problems, hearing and vision loss, intellectual disability, and liver or spleen damage.

How to prevent rubella?

Rubella can be prevented by receiving vaccination. The MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is a two-dose vaccine that protects against the rubella virus.

Should I get vaccinated for rubella if I plan on becoming pregnant?

Yes, it is strongly recommended to get vaccinated for rubella if you plan on becoming pregnant. However, the vaccine should be given at least a month before pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider for more information.

What if I get rubella while I’m pregnant?

If you contract rubella while you are pregnant, especially during the first trimester, the risk for rubella syndrome in your baby is high. It is critical to contact your healthcare provider immediately for proper guidance and treatment.