The birth defects of CRS occur because the rubella virus
impacts certain cell populations during development
. Increased cell death may also cause many affected fetuses and infants to be born with lower birth weights (intrauterine growth restrictions) than the gestational norms.
How does rubella affect the fetus?
Pregnant women who contract rubella are at risk for miscarriage or stillbirth, and their developing babies are at risk for
severe birth defects with devastating
, lifelong consequences. CRS can affect almost everything in the developing baby’s body. The most common birth defects from CRS can include: Deafness.
Does rubella cause congenital birth defects?
Rubella is the leading vaccine-preventable cause of birth defects. Rubella infection in pregnant women
may cause fetal death
or congenital defects known as congenital rubella syndrome.
What birth defects are associated with rubella?
- Deafness.
- Cataracts.
- Heart defects.
- Intellectual disabilities.
- Liver and spleen damage.
- Low birth weight.
- Skin rash at birth.
What does congenital rubella cause?
Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is an illness in infants that results from
maternal infection with rubella virus during pregnancy
. When rubella infection occurs during early pregnancy, serious consequences–such as miscarriages, stillbirths, and a constellation of severe birth defects in infants–can result.
What happens if you are not immune to rubella while pregnant?
If you’re not immune to rubella and you come down with this illness during early pregnancy, it could be devastating for your baby. You could have
a miscarriage or your baby could end up with multiple birth defects and developmental problems
.
How common is rubella in pregnancy?
What about pregnant women and rubella? Rubella in
pregnancy is now very rare in Canada
because most women have been vaccinated against it. If a pregnant woman gets rubella during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, she usually passes the disease on to her unborn baby (fetus). The baby will have congenital rubella.
What happens if rubella IgG is high in pregnancy?
But a woman infected with the rubella virus during pregnancy can
transmit
the disease to her baby (fetus). And serious birth defects called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) could develop, especially during the first trimester.
Why do they test for rubella in pregnancy?
The IgG rubella test is ordered when a woman is pregnant or is planning on becoming pregnant. It is ordered whenever
a check for immunity against rubella is required
. IgM and IgG rubella tests may be ordered when a pregnant woman has signs and symptoms that may indicate a rubella infection.
How do you treat rubella in pregnancy?
There is no specific medicine to treat rubella. In many cases, the symptoms of the disease are mild. Staying in bed (bed rest), drinking fluids and taking medicines to reduce fever can help. Pregnant people with rubella may be
treated with acetaminophen
to relieve their symptoms.
What organs does rubella affect?
Rubella is an infection that mostly affects
the skin and lymph nodes
.
Can congenital rubella be treated?
If your baby is born with congenital rubella syndrome, specific symptoms of the disease can be treated accordingly. Because
there is no cure for congenital rubella syndrome
, the best treatment is prevention. Women who are planning on becoming pregnant should be vaccinated at least 28 days beforehand.
What are the long term effects of rubella?
Up to 70% of women who get rubella may experience arthritis; this is rare in children and men. In rare cases, rubella can cause serious problems, including brain infections and bleeding problems.
liver or spleen damage
.
Can you lose your immunity to rubella?
Immunity means that your body has built a defense to the rubella virus. In some adults, the vaccine may wear off. This means
they are not fully protected
.
What happens if rubella is not treated?
People who catch the measles develop symptoms such as a fever, cough, and runny nose. A telltale rash is the hallmark of the disease. If measles isn’t treated, it can lead to complications such as
ear infection, pneumonia, and encephalitis
(inflammation of the brain).
What is the normal range of rubella IgG in pregnancy?
Reference Range:
7 IU/mL or less
: Negative – No significant level of detectable rubella IgG antibody. 8-9 IU/mL: Equivocal – Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful. 10 IU/mL or greater: Positive – IgG antibody to rubella detected, which may indicate a current or previous exposure/immunization to rubella.
