# What should I do if I am pregnant and have been exposed to someone with rubella? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-pregnant-and-exposed-to-rubella Language: en Category: pregnancy Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.971Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.971Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-to-do-if-pregnant-and-exposed-to-rubella If you are pregnant and have been exposed to someone infected with rubella (German measles), you must contact your healthcare provider or obstetrician immediately without delay [\[1\]](). Rubella is a viral infection that spreads via respiratory droplets when coughing or sneezing, and its greatest danger lies in its impact on the fetus if infection occurs during early stages of pregnancy [\[1\]](). ## Why is rubella exposure concerning during pregnancy? When a pregnant woman is infected with the rubella virus, especially during the first trimester, there is a risk of up to 90% that the virus will be transmitted to the fetus [\[1\]](). This transmission can lead to severe consequences including miscarriage, fetal death, or the birth of a baby with Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), a condition that may cause permanent birth defects such as hearing impairment, heart defects, and vision abnormalities, as well as developmental delays [\[1\]](). ## Immediate steps upon exposure As soon as you become aware of exposure to an infected person, take the following steps: - Contact your doctor immediately to inform them of the details of the exposure and the date of the last rubella vaccination you received (if applicable). - Avoid contact with other people, especially other pregnant women, until your condition has been assessed by the medical team. - The doctor will assess your immune status, as blood tests may be performed to check for the presence of antibodies to the virus in your body. - Do not attempt to take any medications without direct medical consultation, as managing these cases requires precise clinical protocols. For more details on symptoms and general prevention, you can view our dedicated article on [Rubella (German Measles): Symptoms, Pregnancy Risks, and Vaccine Prevention (Arabic)](). ## Can I receive the MMR vaccine during pregnancy? It is essential to know that the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine contains a live attenuated virus; therefore, it is not recommended for pregnant women [\[1\]](), [\[2\]](). The best protection is prior prevention; thus, women of childbearing age are always advised to ensure they receive the vaccine well before planning a pregnancy [\[1\]](). If you are not immune, discuss post-exposure prevention options with your doctor, as there is no direct cure for the virus itself, and care relies on careful monitoring of the pregnancy [\[1\]](). ## Warning signs Monitor for the appearance of any symptoms such as mild fever, a rash that usually starts on the face and neck before spreading to the body, or swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ears [\[1\]](), [\[3\]](). Even if you do not exhibit clear symptoms, it does not necessarily mean the virus has not been transmitted, as about half of those infected with rubella may show no obvious symptoms, yet they remain capable of transmitting the infection [\[3\]](). Therefore, professional medical follow-up is the only reliable way to evaluate the health of the pregnancy and receive appropriate guidance for your individual case. ## Medical references - [Rubella]() - [Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Safety]() - [Rubella]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-pregnant-and-exposed-to-rubella#answer