Pregnant people who are not vaccinated against measles and have never had measles themselves have a higher risk of severe illness due to measles. Read more about it here and find out what you can do to keep from becoming ill.
Protected against measles
A person is protected against measles during pregnancy if:
- they have ever had the disease, or
- they have ever been vaccinated against measles.
Higher risk of severe disease
Pregnant people who are not vaccinated against measles and have never had measles themselves have a higher risk of severe illness due to measles, compared to people who are not pregnant. Measles does not cause birth defects in unborn children. In very rare cases, it can lead to miscarriage or premature birth.
No contact with measles patients
Are you pregnant? And have you never been vaccinated against measles, and have never had the disease yourself? Then make sure to avoid contact with people who might possibly have measles. If you have been in contact with a measles patient, contact your midwife or GP as soon as possible.
Blood test to check for antibodies
If you are not vaccinated, and you do not know if you have had measles before, you can have a blood test to check if you have antibodies against measles. If you do, those antibodies give you protection. Contact your GP to discuss getting the blood test.
No measles vaccination during pregnancy
It is not possible to be vaccinated against measles during pregnancy, because a live attenuated vaccine is used. This could affect the baby.
Babies also have a higher risk of severe disease
When babies are born, they do not yet have sufficient protection against measles. As a result, they have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from measles.