Rubella in Pregnancy Risks, Prevention and Management

Introduction

Rubella is also called German measles is a transmittable virus that can lead to severe problems for pregnant women and their unborn children. While rubella is generally mild in adults and children but the risks of the infection during pregnancy are substantial and may cause serious birth defects. This blog will examine the effects that rubella can have on pregnant women, risk to the fetus and infant, preventive techniques, and ways to reduce the risk of rubella in the pregnancy.

What is Rubella?

Rubella is a virus that is caused by rubella virus which is part of the Togavirus family. It’s spread via droplets of respiratory fluid when an individual who is infected coughs, sneezes or speaks. Rubella is most often referred to for causing itchy rash, fever and lymph nodes that are swollen. While rubella is usually mild in healthy people but its effects for pregnant mothers, specifically during the first trimester it can be a devastating experience.

Babies who suffer from rubella risk of passing on the infection to their baby which can lead to the congenital rubella disorder (CRS). CRS is a risk highest in the first few weeks of pregnancy. That’s the reason why pregnancy-related rubella is considered a significant public health risk.

Why is Rubella Dangerous During Pregnancy?

Rubella can trigger serious problems in both mother as well as the the baby. The most significant issue concerns CRS, also known as congenital (CRS), which is caused when the rubella virus gets transmitted to the fetus. The virus may cause a variety of birth defects. the risk of developing such defects will depend on the duration that the virus is infected in the pregnancy.

Impact on the Fetus

The rubella virus may cause birth defects like these when contracted during pregnancy:

1. Deafness :- One of the most frequent repercussions of rubella infections in the fetus includes the loss of sensorineural hearing which ranges from mild deafness to severe.

2. Blindness :- Rubella can lead to cataracts or other eye issues, which can lead to impaired vision as well as the loss of sight..

3. Heart Diseases :- CRS infants could develop congenital heart issues like the patent arteriosus, pulmonary artery narrowing as well as the ventricular septal defect.

4. The brain is damaged :- Rubella virus may cause microcephaly which is an abnormally small head or any other brain disorders that affect development which can cause intellectual impairments or delays in the development of children.

5. The damage of the liver and kidneys :- Rubella can lead to inflammation and damages of the spleen and liver and spleen, which can affect the infant’s general health.

6. low birth weight :- Children born to rubella could have a low birthweight and are at a higher risk of being born premature.

7. Stillbirth or miscarriage :- in the most serious instances, rubella-related infections during pregnancy may result in an unplanned miscarriage, stillbirth or preterm birth.

When is Rubella Most Dangerous During Pregnancy?

The time frame of rubella infections during pregnancy plays a significant factor to the extent of birth defect. The chances of harm for the fetus are greatest when a mother contracting rubella during the first trimester especially prior to when she is in the 11th week in pregnancy. First trimester of pregnancy is an important time for the development of the fetus, and rubella can quickly affect organs and systems that are developing.

1. The First trimester (Weeks 1- 12) :- The risk of birth defects is the most important in the initial 12 weeks. If rubella develops during this time it is possible that up to 85 percent of infants are susceptible to developing congenital rubella syndrome that results in serious birth deformities.

2. The Second trimester (Weeks 13-26) :-The risk of developing CRS diminishes after the first trimester however, birth defects may be present. The possibility of hearing loss is a significant concern.

3. The Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40) :- The risk of complications severe is less in the final trimester. But, a baby could have rubella, or have other mild symptoms.

How is Rubella Prevented During Pregnancy?

The best method of preventing rubella in pregnancy is to get the vaccination. It is believed that the MMR vaccination (measles, rubella, mumps) is extremely effective in stopping rubella infections. But it is important to remember it is important to note that MMR vaccine must never be administered during pregnancy because it contains live attenuated virus.

1. Pre-conception Vaccination :-

• Immunization prior to pregnancy :- Pregnant women age should make sure they are protected from rubella before they become pregnant. It is recommended that pregnant women get the MMR vaccine is generally given in two doses. The first one is administered between 12- 15 months while it is followed by a second dosage administered at approximately 4-6 years of age.

• Examining Immunity :- women who are contemplating pregnancy should undergo an examination of their blood to test the rubella eradication. If they’re unprotected, they must be vaccination at minimum four weeks prior to trying to get pregnant.

2. Post-exposure Vaccination:-

• post-exposure prophylaxis :- In the event that a woman who is pregnant exposed to rubella and not immune to rubella, the rubella immunoglobulin (Ig) injection can be administered after 7 days of exposure to lower the chance of developing the disease.

What Happens If a Pregnant Woman Gets Rubella?

If a woman who is pregnant is diagnosed with rubella she’ll require extensive examination to evaluate the effects on the embryo. In certain instances doctors may suggest ultrasound tests to determine the presence for birth defect, like cataracts, heart issues or other issues with organs.

Management of Rubella During Pregnancy:

1. Relieving Symptoms and Rest :- Treatment for rubella during pregnancy concentrates on reducing symptoms like fever, rash, or fatigue. A good night’s rest and ample fluids are suggested.

2. Ultrasound Monitoring :- Ultrasounds are routinely performed. be used to monitor the baby’s health and to look for signs that indicate congenital rubella.

3. The Early Birth Planning :- If there are any complications doctors may suggest an early birth to reduce the chance of birth defects that are severe.

Rubella Diagnosis During Pregnancy

Rubella is typically detected through the use of blood tests which detect evidence of Rubella-specific antibodies or rubella virus. If you suspect rubella medical professionals may suggest these tests:

1. IgM as well as IgG Antibodies :- The antibodies can be tested to determine whether a woman has recently been infected by rubella. IgM antibodies signify an infection that has occurred recently, whereas IgG antibodies signify an immunity or previous exposure.

2. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) :- This test identifies the rubella virus directly and is able to confirm infection, particularly for pregnant women.

How Rubella Affects the Pregnancy and Baby

The rubella-related effects during pregnancy can be to mild and even severe dependent on the severity of the infection and its timing. Children born congenitally with rubella (CRS) are susceptible to ongoing health challenges throughout their lives. The most frequent effects are:

• Blindness and deafness because of cataracts, or any other eye problem

• Heart-related problems that require surgery or medical treatment

• Intellectual disabilities or developmental delays

But, the risk of getting rubella has been reduced substantially due to the extensive vaccination programs. In countries that have high rates of vaccination the rubella virus is lesser prevalent.

Conclusion

Rubella is a serious virus infection that could cause catastrophic consequences if it is contracted during pregnancy. The threat for CRS, also known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which may cause blindness, hearing loss or heart defects, as well as other serious birth defects is a major problem for pregnant women.