Measles, a childhood disease, is a contagious and febrile illness caused by the Robeola virus. Measles infection, which is usually contracted during childhood, does not reoccur throughout life. Since it is one of the mandatory vaccinations administered during childhood in our country, the rate of measles in adulthood and pregnancy is very low. However, people born or raised in rural areas or those who have not been vaccinated against measles for any reason are exposed to this virus in adulthood. It is especially worrying when it is seen in pregnant women. Likewise, there is no data on any health problems experienced by babies of women who have measles during pregnancy. Of course, how measles is transmitted and the rate of fever during this time are also important.
The effect of measles during pregnancy on the baby
Measles is not a serious health problem, regardless of whether it occurs in childhood, adulthood or pregnancy. However, although measles is not very common, it can cause high fever and in that case it can be dangerous for the patient. Although not very common, especially if this infection progresses with high fever during pregnancy, problems such as miscarriage and premature birth can occur. However, if a mother-to-be encounters the measles virus 1-2 days before birth, there is a high probability that the virus will be transmitted to her baby during birth. Therefore, gammaglobulin should be applied within 12 hours at the latest.
If a pregnant woman comes into contact with someone who has measles
The measles virus can affect an individual once in their entire life. There is no danger for those who have had measles vaccination in childhood or infancy or who have had this disease before. However, if a pregnant woman does not know whether she has had measles before or has been vaccinated, she should definitely consult her doctor if she is not sure. In such cases, a test known as Rubeola IgG is applied in any health institution and the woman's immunity to measles is determined. A positive test will show that immunity exists and being in the same environment or contact with someone who has measles will not pose any danger to the woman. If the test is negative, she should immediately consult a doctor and see an infectious disease specialist.
Is it possible to get vaccinated against measles before pregnancy?
Since pregnancy is one of the most special and sensitive periods in a woman's life, all precautions should be taken before pregnancy to ensure that this important period is healthy. In this context, it is important whether the expectant mother has received the measles vaccine, as well as other vaccines, before pregnancy and whether she has previously acquired immunity to this virus. If a woman who wants to get pregnant is not sure whether she is immune to measles, she should have a measles test and if the test result is negative, she should be vaccinated. The measles vaccine is administered in two doses, 1 month apart, thus eliminating any possible risk. It is recommended that women who have received the measles vaccine before pregnancy wait at least 3 months before getting pregnant. In addition to all these, it is appropriate to have a screening before pregnancy for diseases that can be prevented with vaccination in planned pregnancies. In this way, almost all infectious diseases can be prevented.
Can measles vaccination be given during pregnancy?
It is wrong to administer live virus vaccines during pregnancy. It is also not recommended to get pregnant within the first 3 months after administering live virus vaccines. Because live virus vaccines administered during pregnancy can cause structural anomalies in the unborn baby. Since the measles vaccine is also a live virus, it is not appropriate to administer measles vaccine while pregnant.
Measles during breastfeeding
There is no harm in breastfeeding a baby if the mother is exposed to the measles virus during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding does not have any negative effects on immunity and therefore the vaccine can be administered during breastfeeding.
What vaccines can pregnant women at risk of infection get?
Women at risk can safely receive Hepatitis B, Flu, Diphtheria/Tetanus vaccinations before, during and after pregnancy.
Which vaccines should definitely not be administered during pregnancy?
Hepatitis A, Measles, Rubella, Mumps, Chickenpox, Pneumococcal, Oral Polio, inactivated Polio vaccines are not administered during pregnancy because they are thought to harm the mother and the baby. These vaccines carry risks because they can cause miscarriage, premature birth, and structural anomalies in the baby.
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