Rubella and pregnancy

Rubella is a contagious disease caused by the rubella virus. It's also known as German measles or 3-day measles. However, rubella is not the same as measles.

Rubella is a mild disease that often causes a rash and swollen glands. However, it's very dangerous for unborn babies. If you catch rubella while pregnant, it can cause:

• a miscarriage
• stillbirth
• serious birth differences

The rubella virus is uncommon among Australians because of our childhood vaccination program.

While the best-known symptom of rubella is a pink or red rash, adults commonly get other symptoms first. These can be:

• sore throat
• headache
• conjunctivitis
• nausea
• fever
• generally feeling unwell
• swollen glands

Usually, swollen glands caused by rubella are found:

• at the back of your neck
• behind your ears

The rash itself may appear as small dots which form a larger, reddened area. It will usually first appear on your face and then spread to your:

• neck
• upper body
• arms
• legs

It can last up to 5 days and may or may not be itchy.

Joint pain and arthritis are also common in adults with rubella.

Symptoms in the joints usually start at the same time as the rash appears. These symptoms can last for weeks.

Symptoms of rubella will appear about 14 days after infection. However, about 1 in 2 people who have the rubella virus do not feel unwell.

Rubella is caused by the rubella virus.

How is rubella spread?

Rubella can spread through droplets in the air when you cough or sneeze. It can also be spread by person-to-person contact.

When you have rubella, you can infect others from one week before your rash appears. You will still be contagious until one week after your rash first appears.

If you think you might have rubella, it's important to see your doctor.

Be sure to call ahead and let the receptionist know of your concerns. This way, the staff can protect other people in the waiting room.

If you catch rubella during your pregnancy, you can give the virus to your baby. This may cause congenital rubella syndrome.

Congenital rubella syndrome can cause serious health problems for your baby, such as:

• intellectual disability
• cataracts (cloudy vision)
• deafness
• heart problems

Rubella infection in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy can increase your risk of:

• miscarriage
• stillbirth

The chance of health problems in your baby is lower after 16 weeks of pregnancy.

If you are pregnant and have been in contact with someone with rubella, speak to your doctor or midwife. They will arrange a blood test for you.

Rubella is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be very general. To reach a diagnosis, your doctor may:

• ask for your immunisation status
• ask about your travel history
• do a physical examination
• organise for you to have a blood test

There is no specific treatment for rubella. Most people will get better with resting at home and drinking plenty of fluids. Paracetamol can be taken to help with your fever and pain.

The best way to protect yourself from catching rubella is through vaccination.

The rubella vaccine is given as a combined vaccination, either as:

• measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
• measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV)

However, vaccination during pregnancy is not advised. These vaccines use a live attenuated virus (a weakened form of the virus to help build immunity). There are concerns that if they're given during pregnancy, they may affect your baby's health.

I'm planning a pregnancy — should I be vaccinated?

If you are planning pregnancy, speak to your doctor about the rubella screening test. This is a simple blood test which checks to see if you have rubella antibodies. Rubella antibodies are a type of protein that helps your body fight rubella.

In most cases, previous infection or vaccination will make you immune to rubella, meaning that you can't be infected again.

If you don't have rubella antibodies, you might be offered the vaccine to protect you and any future pregnancies.

If you are vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, you should avoid falling pregnant for at least 28 days.

It's safe to have the MMR vaccine after your baby is born, even if you are breastfeeding.

If you have any questions or concerns about rubella during pregnancy, speak to your doctor.

Find out how babies and children can catch rubella, how to treat your child at home, and when to have them vaccinated.

Languages other than English

Health Translations Victoria has more information in English and other languages about:

• the MMR immunisation
• the MMRV vaccine