What If I Get Measles in Pregnancy? Risks, Prevention, and Care

Pregnancy brings with it a range of exciting changes and challenges, and while the focus is often on preparing for the new arrival, it is also essential to consider the health and wellbeing of the mother. One of the more concerning health issues during pregnancy is contracting infections, particularly the viral illness measles. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can have serious implications for both the expectant mother and her developing baby. In this article, we will explore the potential risks of contracting measles during pregnancy, how it can affect both mother and baby, and the importance of antenatal care in preventing and managing such risks. We will also discuss how antenatal support and preventive measures, including vaccination and good hygiene practices, can help reduce the likelihood of contracting measles during pregnancy. If you’re expecting or planning a pregnancy, understanding the risks of measles and the role of antenatal care can help ensure both you and your baby remain safe and healthy.

Understanding Measles and Its Impact on Pregnancy

Measles is a viral infection that causes symptoms such as a high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and a characteristic red rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles is spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it highly contagious. In general, measles is a vaccine-preventable illness, and most people in the UK are protected due to the widespread use of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella). However, if an unvaccinated woman contracts measles during pregnancy, it can pose serious risks to both her health and the health of her baby.

Measles and Pregnancy: Potential Risks

During pregnancy, the body undergoes several changes to accommodate the developing baby, and these changes can sometimes make pregnant women more susceptible to infections like measles. Measles can lead to complications, including:

• Miscarriage: Studies have shown that viral infections, including measles, can increase the risk of miscarriage, particularly in the first trimester. The fever and overall strain on the body may contribute to this risk.
• Preterm birth: Measles during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of preterm labour. Premature babies may face a range of challenges, including respiratory problems, feeding difficulties, and an increased risk of infection.
• Low birth weight: Babies born to mothers who contract measles may have a higher chance of being born underweight, which can affect their health and development.
• Congenital defects: In rare cases, maternal measles infection during pregnancy can cause birth defects. The rubella component of measles has been associated with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which can cause hearing loss, heart defects, and developmental delays in infants.
• Pneumonia and other respiratory issues: Pregnant women with measles are at greater risk of developing serious respiratory complications, such as pneumonia. Pneumonia can lead to breathing difficulties and the need for hospitalisation, putting further strain on the mother’s health. It is important to note that while the risk of these complications exists, it is still relatively low for women who are otherwise healthy and who receive appropriate medical care. The key is to ensure that pregnant women have access to regular antenatal care and are closely monitored for any complications.

Preventing Measles During Pregnancy

The best way to avoid the risks associated with measles is to prevent infection. If you are planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant, the following preventive measures can help reduce the risk of contracting measles:

1. Vaccination Before Pregnancy

The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to protect against measles. It is recommended that women who are planning a pregnancy ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations before conceiving. The vaccine is typically given to children as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule, but it can be administered to adults who are not immune to the disease.

• Timing: If you are not immune to measles, it’s advised to receive the MMR vaccine at least one month before trying to conceive. This allows the body enough time to develop immunity to the virus.
• Checking Immunity: If you are unsure whether you are immune to measles, your doctor can perform a blood test to check for immunity. If you are not immune, you can receive the MMR vaccine before pregnancy.

2. Good Hygiene and Infection Control

Measles is spread through respiratory droplets, so practising good hygiene is essential for preventing infection. Consider the following measures:

• Washing hands regularly with soap and water, especially after being in public spaces or after coughing or sneezing.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick, particularly those who exhibit symptoms of measles, such as a rash and fever.
• Covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and disposing of tissues properly to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.
• Disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops, to reduce the chance of viral transmission.

3. Seeking Immediate Medical Advice

If you think you have contracted measles during pregnancy, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early intervention and monitoring can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Your healthcare provider will likely advise you to stay isolated from others to prevent spreading the infection and will monitor you closely for any signs of complications, such as pneumonia or dehydration. Regular antenatal checkups will be even more important if you develop symptoms of measles during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may perform additional antenatal scans to monitor the health of your baby, checking for signs of distress or complications such as preterm labour.

The Role of Antenatal Care in Managing Measles During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and contract measles, managing the illness carefully with the support of your healthcare provider is essential. Antenatal care becomes even more important during this time to ensure both the mother and baby are closely monitored.

1. Regular Monitoring

If a woman contracts measles during pregnancy, her healthcare provider will closely monitor her health and the health of her baby. This may involve more frequent antenatal appointments to check for any signs of complications, such as early labour or fetal distress.

• Antenatal scans: Ultrasound scans may be used to check the baby’s development, assess growth, and look for any signs of congenital defects or other health concerns.
• Blood tests and other tests: Blood tests may be ordered to check for signs of infection or complications such as pneumonia.

2. Prenatal Support

Antenatal support goes beyond medical appointments and includes emotional and practical support. If you are diagnosed with measles during pregnancy, it is important to seek support from loved ones and health professionals. This support may include advice on managing the illness, coping with symptoms like fever, and getting adequate rest.

3. Prenatal Yoga and Fitness

While physical activity may be limited during illness, once the mother recovers, prenatal yoga or pregnancy fitness classes can help rebuild strength and flexibility. Yoga during pregnancy helps relieve stress, promotes relaxation, and supports overall wellbeing, which can be beneficial after experiencing an illness like measles.

The Importance of Prevention and Care

While contracting measles during pregnancy can pose serious health risks to both mother and baby, there are steps you can take to minimise these risks. Ensuring you are vaccinated before pregnancy, practising good hygiene, and seeking prompt medical advice if you develop symptoms are all important preventative measures. Regular antenatal care, which includes careful monitoring of both maternal and fetal health, plays a key role in managing and reducing the impact of measles if it occurs during pregnancy. Measles is a serious infection, but with appropriate care, most women can recover fully without significant complications. Ensuring that you are informed about the risks and preventive measures surrounding antenatal health can help you maintain a healthy pregnancy and reduce the potential for complications.