Rubella poses a risk to pregnancy, including miscarriage and congenital abnormalities. Because of this, a person should get tested for rubella immunity before becoming pregnant.
In the United States, the risk of rubella infection is very low. From 2005 to 2018, only
Some people, especially those who have not had a vaccination, should get tested for rubella immunity before considering pregnancy.
This article looks at rubella’s effect on pregnancy, rubella immunity testing, vaccination, and more.

Rubella, also known as German measles, or three-day measles, is a viral infection that causes a distinctive rash. The rash can present as red, purple, or darker spots on a person’s skin.
The rash may feel bumpy or rough. It typically starts on the face and spreads over the body. In babies, the rash is sometimes called blueberry muffin syndrome.
Other symptoms of rubella include:
- a mild fever
- a stuffy or runny nose
- headache
- cough
- swollen lymph nodes
- swelling and redness in the eyes
- aching joints
Rubella is an airborne disease that can transfer from person to person through particles in coughs and sneezes.
However, if a pregnant person contracts rubella, they can also pass it to their fetus.
Rubella that spreads to a fetus can cause congenital abnormalities or miscarriage. The best way to protect against rubella is by getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
If a person gets rubella while pregnant, it can be dangerous for the developing fetus.
Rubella during pregnancy can lead to potentially severe congenital abnormalities for the developing fetus. It is known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) when it affects the fetus. Some of the more common abnormalities
- cataracts
- deafness
- damage to the liver and spleen
- heart problems
- skin rash at birth, or blueberry muffin syndrome
- low birth weight
- intellectual disabilities
Less commonly, a baby may develop:
- brain damage
- glaucoma
- inflammation in the lungs
- thyroid and other hormone problems
Severe abnormalities
Rubella can cause miscarriage or congenital abnormalities, particularly when someone contracts it in the first trimester. The
However, the
This typically happens after people have traveled to countries that have not yet eliminated the virus. This includes some countries in Africa, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia.
A serology test identifies whether someone has antibodies to fight against a specific infection or disease. When testing for rubella, a healthcare professional uses an
An IgG test is a useful way to identify whether someone planning to become pregnant has antibodies to protect them and their baby against rubella. If the IgG test is positive, the person will not require a vaccine.
However, people planning pregnancy who have a negative IgG test should have a vaccination to prevent them from contracting the virus during pregnancy.
When to get tested
Anyone planning a pregnancy should have an IgG serology test to determine whether they are immune to rubella.
An IgG test
The test may take place in a clinic or another healthcare setting.
The test results determine whether a person has specific antibodies in their blood to protect them against rubella.
What does a positive rubella IgG test mean?
A positive IgG test means the person is immune to rubella. This could be because they have had rubella or an MMR vaccine and still have antibodies that can fight against the disease.
A person with a positive IgG test will not require the MMR vaccine.
What does a negative rubella IgG test mean?
If a person has a negative rubella IgG test, they are not immune to rubella and could contract the disease.
If a person has a negative IgG test and plans to become pregnant, they will need to have the MMR vaccine before they become pregnant.
The
However, a person should avoid conceiving for at least
A person who is already pregnant should not get the MMR vaccine. If a person contracts rubella or has exposure to it while pregnant, they should contact a doctor immediately.
People who are pregnant and have not had the vaccination should wait until after giving birth to receive the MMR vaccine.
Most children living in the U.S. receive the MMR vaccination as part of their vaccination schedule.
Children get
- first dose at 12–15 months
- second dose at 4–6 years of age or as early as 28 days after the first dose
This section answers some frequently asked questions about rubella immunity testing and pregnancy.
Can I get a rubella vaccine while pregnant?
The
Most people living in the U.S. would have received the vaccine as a child. If not, a person will likely want to get it before conceiving.
Once vaccinated, they should wait at least
Is it safe to get a rubella vaccine while breastfeeding?
A person
Does rubella affect fertility?
It is not likely that rubella will cause fertility issues.
However, a person should wait
This is because the live rubella antibodies in the vaccine could endanger the fetus.
Most people living in the U.S. will not come in contact with rubella unless traveling to other countries where rubella is still present.
However, an unvaccinated person considering pregnancy should consider getting the MMR vaccine.
Doctors and other healthcare professionals also recommend that people who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant should get tested for immunity to rubella.
Having immunity to rubella due to having had the condition or the MMR vaccine can help protect a person from contracting the infection. It will also prevent potential complications during pregnancy, such as miscarriage or congenital abnormalities.