Dangers of Measles in Pregnant Women and How to Prevent It

Measles in pregnant women may still sound strange, even though when you experience it there is a danger that can occur, both for the pregnant woman and the fetus , you know. Wow, if it's that dangerous, is there any way to prevent measles during pregnancy? Read more in this article!

Measles or measles is an infectious disease caused by Morbillivirus infection. Measles is indeed more common in children, but pregnant women, especially those who have not been vaccinated, are also at risk of being infected with this virus.

Dangers of Measles in Pregnant Women and How to Prevent It

Transmission of measles in pregnant women can occur if pregnant women inhale air contaminated with this virus or accidentally touch an object that has been splashed with the patient's saliva.

The Danger of Measles in Pregnant Women

The symptoms of measles in pregnant women are not much different from measles in children or adults, namely fever, cough, conjunctivitis, the appearance of koplik spots or white patches in the mouth, and diarrhea. In addition, a typical measles rash will also appear in the form of redness that doesn't itch and spreads from the forehead, neck, throughout the body.

Generally, symptoms of measles will appear 10–14 days after exposure to the virus. People with measles are at risk of transmitting the measles virus from 4 days before symptoms appear until 4 days after the rash disappears

Measles can cause complications in the form of ear infections, pneumonia, and brain infections. In addition, the risk of dehydration or lack of fluids can also increase if food and drink intake is reduced or if diarrhea appears

In addition to complications in general, if measles in pregnant women occurs in the first trimester, it can increase the risk of miscarriage. Meanwhile, if it occurs in the last trimester, the risk of fetal death in the womb (IUFD), low birth weight, and premature birth can also increase.

Besides that, a complication of measles in pregnant women that stalks the fetus is SSPE (subacute sclerosing panencephalitis), which is progressive brain tissue death. This condition is rare and usually develops several years after the fetus catches measles from a pregnant woman.

Apart from measles or measles there is also German measles or rubella. Even though they are similar and both can be transmitted through the air and can cause rashes to appear, both are different conditions. German measles is caused by infection with the Rubella virus and generally does not cause as severe symptoms as measles.

However, if German measles occurs in pregnant women, the effects that can occur on the fetus can be fatal and dangerous. Several conditions that are at risk of occurring due to German measles infection in pregnant women, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy are slow fetal growth, cataracts, deafness, congenital heart disease, to disorders of the development of other organs.

How to Prevent Measles in Pregnant Women

Actually, the best way to prevent measles is to get the MMR vaccine. In Indonesia, the MMR vaccine (measles mumps and rubella) is a type of primary vaccine for children that is scheduled to be given at the age of 9 months with the first booster at the age of 18 months and a booster second at the age of 5–7 years.

Meanwhile, in adults, the MMR vaccine can be given at the age of 19–59 years in 1 or 2 doses with a 28 day gap between doses. However, MMR is a type of live vaccine that is contraindicated in pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system (immunocompromised).

So, the best way to prevent measles in pregnant women is to maintain the immune system and avoid factors or conditions that can increase the risk of exposure to measles. Some ways that can be done are:

  • Use a mask especially if you are outside
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water or hand sanitizer which contains at least 70% alcohol
  • As much as possible avoid direct contact with sick people especially those who may have easily transmitted infectious diseases
  • Make sure that the closest people, including children, spouses and families, get the MMR vaccination, so they don't become agents of measles transmission in pregnant women
  • Do not share toiletries or personal items with others

If after taking the precautions above, the pregnant woman still has measles, go to the doctor for an examination so that the condition of the pregnant woman and her fetus can be monitored. Measles is a viral infection that can actually heal by itself (self-limiting disease) if the sufferer has a good immune system, is not malnourished, and does not experience complications.

However, to reduce discomfort due to the symptoms experienced, there are several home treatments that can generally be done, namely:

  • Get enough rest
  • Make sure your body is well hydrated, including by drinking enough water
  • Consume clean and nutritionally balanced food
  • Consumption of fever and pain relievers, for example paracetamol

This is an explanation of measles in pregnant women, including the dangers and how to prevent it. If pregnant women experience symptoms that may indicate measles in pregnant women, such as fever and a rash that spreads, consult a doctor immediately to get appropriate treatment.

Label : Health cat_Health

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