Measles in Pregnancy

Measles is very rare in pregnancy but may occur in women who have not been vaccinated against measles and have been in contact with persons infected with measles.

Although uncommon, measles in pregnancy can lead to serious complications such as preterm birth and increased risk of miscarriage, and it is important that treatment be started and followed up by an obstetrician. Here are the 8 most common questions about measles.

The pregnant woman who has not taken the measles vaccine is at risk of becoming infected with the disease and should avoid contact with people from other countries as much as not all countries do mass vaccination campaigns and one person may be contaminated and have not yet developed the characteristic symptoms of the disease and thus contaminate the pregnant woman.

Can you take the vaccine in pregnancy?

Vaccination during pregnancy is not recommended, as the vaccine is made with the virus that transmits measles with decreased activity, which can lead to the onset of measles symptoms. Thus, if vaccination occurs during pregnancy, serious complications may occur, as the woman's immune system is compromised. In addition, cases of malformation due to contamination of the pregnant woman were not diagnosed, ie the baby is not at risk of being born with measles if the mother has become ill.

If the woman is trying to become pregnant and has not been vaccinated during childhood, it is recommended that the vaccine is taken immediately and only 1 to 3 months after the vaccine is started attempt to become pregnant. The woman can take the specific measles or triple viral vaccine, which also provides protection against rubella and mumps, and is recommended. Learn more about the MMR vaccine.

Symptoms of measles in pregnancy

Mark the following symptoms and know if you can have measles:

1. 1. Fever above 38º C Yes No
2. 2. Sore throat and dry cough Yes No
3. 3. Muscle pain and excessive tiredness Yes No
4. 4. Red spots on the skin, without relief, that spread through the body Yes No
5. 5. Red spots on the skin that do not itch Yes No
6. 6. White spots inside the mouth, each surrounded by a red ring Yes No
7. 7. Conjunctivitis or Redness of eyes Yes No

Treatment for measles in pregnancy

Treatment for measles during pregnancy should be done under the guidance of the obstetrician and is intended to control symptoms. If there is fever, the doctor may indicate the use of Paracetamol, however, it is important that the woman seek other alterative treatment.

To reduce fever without remedies it is recommended cold water baths and avoid staying in very hot places. In addition, cold water packs placed on the forehead from time to time also help lower the fever.

It is also recommended to apply a serum that contains specific antibodies against the antigens of the virus, which promotes the fight against the disease, reduces the symptoms and poses no risk to the woman or the baby.