The United States is currently experiencing a measles outbreak in several states, including Kansas. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications, especially for pregnant women and infants. If you are expecting, it is important for you to understand the risks and what you can do to minimize those risks.
What are the risks?
Measles during pregnancy poses significant risks to both the mother and the developing baby.
Your doctor or midwife can order a blood test to check for measles antibodies if you don’t have any records of vaccination.
What Can I do to reduce exposures to measles if I'm pregnant?
If you are pregnant and not vaccinated against measles, it's essential to take extra precautions during an outbreak:
If you are exposed to measles while you are pregnant, it’s important to let your midwife or doctor know as soon as you are aware you’ve been exposed. Calling is preferred so you are not running the risk of spreading measles. Your doctor may recommend immunoglobulin (antibodies) treatment within six days of exposure to help reduce the risk of developing measles.
Should I get a measles vaccination while I’m pregnant?
No. The vaccine uses live virus and is not recommended for pregnant women because it could harm baby. After baby is born, it is considered safe to get vaccinated even if you are breastfeeding.
Sources:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.smfm.org/attachments/1318/f3d6ed022bb2ecc5eaee0e1ce3dbe4af.pdf
What are the risks?
Measles during pregnancy poses significant risks to both the mother and the developing baby.
- Increased Risk of Complications for the Mother: Measles during pregnancy has been associated with an increased maternal risk of hospitalization, pneumonia, need for oxygen support or mechanical ventilation, and even death.
- Risks to baby: Measles infection during pregnancy can lead to serious outcomes for the baby, including miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, baby having a measles infection at birth if Mom contracts measles near the time of birth, and stillbirth.
Your doctor or midwife can order a blood test to check for measles antibodies if you don’t have any records of vaccination.
What Can I do to reduce exposures to measles if I'm pregnant?
If you are pregnant and not vaccinated against measles, it's essential to take extra precautions during an outbreak:
- Avoid Exposure: Try to avoid contact with individuals who have or may have measles. Limit time spent in crowded public places where the risk of exposure might be higher.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face.
- Wear a Mask: Since measles is spread through the air and can linger in the air for up to 2 hours, consider wearing an N95 mask in public places to reduce the likelihood of inhaling the virus.
If you are exposed to measles while you are pregnant, it’s important to let your midwife or doctor know as soon as you are aware you’ve been exposed. Calling is preferred so you are not running the risk of spreading measles. Your doctor may recommend immunoglobulin (antibodies) treatment within six days of exposure to help reduce the risk of developing measles.
Should I get a measles vaccination while I’m pregnant?
No. The vaccine uses live virus and is not recommended for pregnant women because it could harm baby. After baby is born, it is considered safe to get vaccinated even if you are breastfeeding.
Sources:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.smfm.org/attachments/1318/f3d6ed022bb2ecc5eaee0e1ce3dbe4af.pdf
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