Rubella is considered to be a mild infection. But, getting rubella during pregnancy can cause serious issues to the child. Doctors usually suggest rubella blood test before the first pregnancy. It is to check whether the woman is immune to rubella. If the result says the woman is not immune to rubella, immunisation can be done before getting pregnant.
Affecting rubella virus during pregnancy can affect the developing organs of the unborn baby. It results in serious disability called congenital rubella syndrome. Common complications of congenital rubella syndrome are:
- Deafness
- Heart abnormalities
- Cataracts
- Brain anomalies
- Lung abnormalities.
Rubella infection during the first three months of pregnancy may also increase the risk for miscarriages. Rubella infection during 12thand 16thweeks of pregnancy may induce high risk for developing congenital rubella syndrome to the baby. Getting a rubella blood test done before and during pregnancy is very important.