How Rubella Can Cause Miscarriage: What Every Woman Needs to Know

Dr.Taruna Dua, 2 mins read

Finding out you are pregnant is often one of the happiest moments in life. Along with the excitement comes a long list of checkups and precautions to ensure a healthy pregnancy. During those early weeks, one important question your gynaecologist may ask is, “Are you immune to Rubella?” Many women don’t know the answer, or even dont know what Rubella is. 

Unfortunately, getting infected with Rubella during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, can lead to serious complications, which also include miscarriage. 

What Is Rubella?

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a mild viral infection that spreads through coughing and sneezing. In most people, mainly children and adults, it causes only a low-grade fever, rash, sore throat, and sometimes joint pain. It often goes away on its own in a few days and is not serious for healthy individuals.

However, for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, Rubella can be very dangerous for the unborn baby.

How Does Rubella Cause Miscarriage?

When a pregnant woman gets infected with Rubella, the virus can cross the placenta and reach the developing baby. This is called congenital rubella infection. The baby’s immune system is not strong enough to fight the virus, and it can interfere with normal growth and development.

Rubella can affect the pregnancy in the following ways:-:

1. Early Pregnancy Infection (First Trimester)

This is the most critical period. If Rubella infection happens in the first 8 to 10 weeks, the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth is very high, up to 80%. The virus may stop the embryo from developing properly, leading to pregnancy loss.

2. Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)

If the baby survives, Rubella can still cause severe birth defects, including:

• Heart defects
  
• Cataracts or blindness
  
• Hearing loss
  
• Brain damage or developmental delay
  

These are lifelong conditions and can seriously affect the child’s quality of life.

Can Rubella Be Prevented?

The answer is yes. Rubella is vaccine-preventable. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is safe and very effective. Women who are planning pregnancy should get tested for Rubella immunity. If not immune, the vaccine can be given at least one month before conception.

Note: The Rubella vaccine is not given during pregnancy.

Conclusion!

Rubella may seem like a harmless illness, but during pregnancy, it can have tragic consequences. A simple blood test and timely vaccination can prevent miscarriage and birth defects. If you are planning a baby or already pregnant, consult our gynae experts at Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka, to get personalized advice and care for a healthy pregnancy. Because one small step can protect both you and your baby.