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Immunization before conception

If you are not immune to German measles, you should be immunized before trying to become pregnant. It is then essential to use effective contraception for three months afterwards to avoid getting pregnant. Immunization can not be given during pregnancy as the vaccine is itself a live virus and could cause problems for the baby.

Probably better known as German measles, Rubella is a very common infection in children and most children either contract it in childhood or are immunized against it. It is usually a mild condition with a transient rash and swelling of the lymph glands behind the ears. It is caught from airborne droplets that spread when infected people cough or sneeze. German measles, if caught in pregnancy, particularly in the first three months, can cause malformations in your baby. These may include deafness, blindness and heart problems. However, it can only be caught if you are not immune to it, so it is important to know if you are immune to German measles before you try to conceive.

In the UK, children are routinely immunized against German measles, so the vast majority of women are immune. If you’re not sure that you have been immunized, your GP should have a record, or your parents may remember. Once you have had rubella or been immunized against it, you should be immune to it. It is rare to lose immunity. If there is any doubt, immunity to German measles can be checked with a simple blood test.