Lately, it seems like every few months a new infectious disease makes headlines. The COVID-19 pandemic has dominated the news cycle for some time, but as more people get vaccinated and the number of serious cases begins to decline, media focus has shifted to other known or emerging threats. From influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), to mpox and syphilis, infections seem to be spreading like wildfire. More recently, measles has made a comeback, prompting many people who are planning pregnancy, currently pregnant or breastfeeding to make sure they are taking steps to avoid infection.
When I logged into our live chat service at www.mothertobaby.org on Tuesday morning, a chat from Alyssa popped up right away. “I am currently 18 weeks pregnant and a case of measles has been reported at my son’s preschool. Should I be worried?’
It’s understandable that Alyssa would be worried. Measles (also known as rubella) is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the measles virus can survive for up to two hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed. If people breathe the contaminated air or touch the contaminated surface and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth, they can become infected. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of people who are close to that person who are not immune will also become infected.
Symptoms Measles generally appears about 7-14 days after a person is infected and can include a high fever, dry cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a rash all over the body. To date, studies have not identified an increased risk of birth defects when pregnant women are infected with measles during pregnancy. However, research shows that a measles infection may be associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth (birth before 37 weeks), and stillbirth.
The first question I asked Alyssa in the chat was if she had ever received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Just one dose is about 93% effective in preventing measles, while two doses come close 97% effective, so it is the best way to prevent this disease. These shots are usually given in childhood, so Alyssa couldn’t remember if she had received both, but after texting her mom she was able to confirm that she was fully vaccinated. Phew, that was good news. Then we discussed the exhibition date. I asked Alyssa when the daycare was reported positive, to which she replied that it was about two weeks ago. More good news. Since neither Alyssa nor her son had shown symptoms yet, infection was unlikely.
Since measles doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon, it’s important to know how to best protect yourself from the disease at all stages of reproductive life.
Preconception: People planning a pregnancy in the future should make sure they are up to date with MMR vaccines BEFORE they get pregnant. If you can’t find your vaccine record, call your health care provider who may know. If they have no history, a blood test (titre) may be done to see if you are immune to measles. If it turns out that you are not immune, you will want to get two doses MMR vaccine for optimal protection. Just make sure you wait at least a month after your last shot before trying to get pregnant.
Pregnancy: Since pregnant women should not receive live vaccines (such as MMR), the best thing to focus on during pregnancy is prevention. Good hand washing is always a good idea. If there is a confirmed outbreak of measles near you, consider avoiding crowded public places and avoid any locations that have been identified as a known risk.
Breastfeeding: Once you are no longer pregnant, the MMR vaccine can be given. The CDC is reviewing the MMR vaccine compatible with breastfeeding and no side effects are expected for the nursing baby.
If you have any questions about measles infection or the MMR vaccine when planning pregnancy, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, MotherToBaby is here to help. Call us at 866-626-6847, send us a text or chat with one of our information specialists today.
