Once transmitted from the mother to the embryo or fetus, in fact, the infection can cause spontaneous abortion, intrauterine death and malformations of varying severity (including sight defects or complete blindness, deafness, congenital heart disease and delayed physical and mental development) .
Rubella in pregnancy carries particularly serious risks if contracted in the first 3-4 months of gestation (especially within sixteen weeks). In the second trimester of gestation, the risk of a "fetal infection" decreases but remains significant.
The problem does not exist if the woman has been vaccinated or got sick with rubella in the past, gaining immunity.
To check for the presence of antibodies against the virus, so to be sure of having previously contracted the infection, women should undergo, before conception, a specific laboratory test, called Rubeo test. "test is negative, in order not to take risks and protect yourself from rubella in pregnancy, vaccination is recommended, at least 3-6 months before conceiving a child.
typical of childhood. Usually, the course is benign and the symptoms are mild, with no particular consequences for health. Once overcome, rubella leaves a "permanent immunity, therefore it is no longer possible to get sick.
However, if the infection is first acquired in pregnancy, it can be passed on to the fetus.
