Before getting pregnant, a woman should ensure that she is immune to infection from rubella (german measles). Rubella infection during pregnancy may cause miscarriage or stillbirth. Nine out of ten babies will have major birth defects such as deafness, blindness, brain damage or heart disease. This is known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome. Immunity to rubella can be checked by your GP.
Vaccination is the only way to prevent Congenital Rubella Syndrome. The MMR vaccine provides immunity to infection from Rubella. The MMR vaccine given before pregnancy provides protection against rubella infection in any future pregnancies.The MMR is a live vaccine and must be given at least one month before pregnancy. This will help protect both mother and her baby.
During pregnancy
The immunity developed by a mother after vaccination during pregnancy is passed on to her baby in the womb. This immunity helps protect the baby during the first few months of life.