Read on to learn more about the harmful effects of measles, mumps and rubella during pregnancy and why are pregnant women are prohibited from taking MMR vaccine.Women of childbearing age should be tested prior to pregnancy. All seronegative women of childbearing age, provided they are not pregnant, should be offered rubella vaccine. As the virus in the rubella vaccine can cause foetal infection, it is desirable that the foetal vaccine not be taken by any woman who may be pregnant.
The women who take this vaccine need to take care that they do not become pregnant for at least two full menstrual cycles. However, to date, there have not been any rubella-like defects in the live born infants of seronegative mothers vaccinated during or just before pregnancy. Based on this experience, rubella vaccination during pregnancy need not be the reason to recommend interruption of pregnancy. The final decision must be made by you and the doctor.
Causes of Rubella, Mumps and Measles
Rubella, mumps and measles are caused by viruses that can easily spread through the air. In pregnancy, you have a weak immune system that makes you all the more vulnerable to different kinds of diseases. Thus, you are advised to stay at homes mostly and take care of the hygienic practices during these crucial months.
Let us first take a look at the symptoms associated with each of them, so that you can get aware of the disease and act upon as fast as possible.
Symptoms Associated with Measles
When you get measles, you encounter minor symptoms such as these:
- Runny nose
- Mild fever
- Skin rashes
- Irritations
- Infection in ears
- Seizures
- In extreme cases patients may suffer a brain damage or even face death.
Symptoms Associated with Mumps
When you get mumps, these are the following symptoms you must be aware of:
- Swelling or pain in your ovary
- Breathing troubles
- Loss of hearing abilities
- Headache
- Fever
- Swelling of glands
- Can cause severe infections to the developing foetus.
Symptoms Linked with Rubella
Here are the symptoms of rubella you can watch for:
- Mild fever
- Pain in joints
- Skin rashes
- In extreme cases patient might also suffer a miscarriage or baby may be born with birth defects.
MMR Vaccine
Vaccine is a good solution to prevent this disease among adults and children. As mentioned before pregnant women cannot take this vaccination so women who are planning a pregnancy should wait for two full menstrual cycles after taking it.
The vaccine works by exposing you to small doses of the viruses, so that you get adequate protection from them. The vaccines actually make your immune system stronger.
If you are considering a pregnancy, you must talk about blood tests for German measles or rubella with your doctor. This blood test shall ascertain if you need the MMR vaccine. In case you need the vaccine, another blood test shall be performed to make sure the vaccine offers you adequate protection.
It is advisable that you do not go for the vaccination if you are already carrying your baby. Thus, it becomes important that you get the blood tests done before you plan a pregnancy. This shall ascertain if you have the required protection.
Side Effects of the MMR Vaccine
As mentioned above pregnant women must not take this vaccine. Some of the side effects associated with it are as follows:
- Hearing or vision problems
- Unusual weakness or bleeding
- High fever
- Fainting or extreme drowsiness
- Pain in joints or muscles
- Dizziness or headache
- Pain and redness in the area where you received the vaccination
- Diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea are some other symptoms that may be experienced.
Congenital rubella in the first initial 3 months of pregnancy is known to cause severe birth defects in unborn child. Some of these birth defects may be delayed brain development, deafness, defects in the heart, blindness and so on. It thus becomes very essential that you take necessary vaccines and precautions before planning to conceive.
You can discuss with your doctor any doubts that you have in your mind. He or she shall consider your case and offer suggestions that shall be beneficial for you and the child you are expecting as well. With advancement in the field of medical science you can expect to enjoy a healthy and trouble free
pregnancy.
Why is it unsafe to take MMR vaccine during pregnancy? How to prevent measles, mumps and rubella during pregnancy? What are the harmful effects of measles, mumps and rubella during pregnancy? Discuss here.