How do I protect my fetus against rubella infection?
Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology,
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital,
New Delhi
Q: I am 10 weeks pregnant and my recent blood tests have shown that I am not protected against rubella. In my first pregnancy too, I was not protected but I was given an injection soon after the delivery but it seems the protection did not take effect. I understand that I have to wait after delivery to get my next rubella vaccine. But can you please tell me what precautions I need to take to help protect my fetus. Also, what danger can this cause to the health and well being of my baby?
A:You can just avoid exposure to people with respiratory infections and do monthly IgM titre for Rubella to confirm that you have not contracted the disease during pregnancy. Besides this worry less. Eat and sleep well and go for a 40 minute daily walk to increase your immunity against viruses.