Pregnancy and measles

[Andrea Ritch]

I am pregnant and may have measles how does this affect my unborn child

[morg_monster]

Plain old measles is not supposed to be a danger to an unborn child.  But German Measles AKA rubella has similar symptoms and can be very damaging, even fatal, to the fetus, if it is less than 16 weeks old.  After 16 weeks of pregnancy damage is rare.  But, however far gone you are, get to a doctor as soon as you can.  You shouldn't be relying on the Answerbank for queries like this - nothing is as important as your unborn baby's health at this time and your doctor must be your first port of call.  Go ASAP!

[AB Editor]

For all medical questions, we strongly advise you to seek professional advice from your doctor or healthcare professional.  Please do not rely on or wait for advice from Answerbank users.

[Ember]

How on earth have you caught measles in this day and age?   This is curiosity not condemnation?    Please see a Dr, especially if its German Measles.

[undercovers]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/769381.stm

it amazes me that people are still not vacinating themselves and their children against this disease - Embar didn't want to have a go but i think some one should, you have been very irresponsible and taken an unbelievable risk now i just hope that your unborn child doesn't have to pay the price for your stupidity - go to the doctors

 

[Hgrove]

Undercovers, I think your comment is a little too harsh, with respect.  Vaccines have been known to "fail".  Sometimes, not very often but it does happen, someone who has been vaccinated goes on to contract the disease.  Also, there is so far as I am aware no general policy of vaccinating adults, who were children before the vaccine was invented.  And with so many people (in London anyhow) not vaccinating their children, it is possible for someone to contract the disease.