Can Measles harm my baby during pregnancy?

Following the recent outbreak of the measles, a few of my pregnant patients have raised concern about the risk of harm to their unborn baby if they became infected with the disease. In this short article, I’ve outlined the risk, symptoms and what to do if you think you’ve been exposed to the measles.

The outbreak of multiple cases of measles in Victoria, over the past couple of weeks, has moved north with two new cases reported in Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Sutherland Shire.  

There is no cause for alarm. Measles infections are becoming extremely rare in Australia because of the widespread use of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, however it is still a risk because the infection can be brought in by overseas travellers, such as those coming from Bali, where the disease is prevalent.

Most pregnant women have either have had the disease or have been immunised against it as a child. Even if you're not immune, the risk that you might contract measles is small since most people are immune and are unlikely to come down with the disease in the first place.

If you have not been vaccinated and are not immune, you cannot be vaccinated during pregnancy since the vaccine contains live virus, which can be dangerous in pregnant women. Fortunately, measles does not appear to cause birth defects in the baby if contracted during pregnancy, however, it may possibly increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labour.

Symptoms can take 10-14 days to develop after infection. Typical measles begins with fever, runny nose, hacking cough, and red eyes. A red spotted rash appears three to five days after the onset of symptoms, progressing from the head downward. The rash and symptoms usually clear within one to two weeks.

If you don't know whether you've had measles or been vaccinated against it, get a blood test (preferably before trying to conceive) to find out for sure. If you are not immune, and have been exposed to the virus while pregnant, you should speak to your obstetrician.

​If you have any concerns, contact my rooms on 02 8524 2011 and speak to my friendly staff to arrange an appointment.