Seek advice from you doctor about Rubella
Q&A with Frida Njogu
I read somewhere that infection with Rubella during pregnancy can cause birth defects in babies. My husband and I are planning on starting a family. Is there anything I can do to avoid getting infected?
Rubella is a viral infection, also called German Measles. It can affect anyone, and is usually mild, presenting like the flu. However, if a woman gets infected during pregnancy, particularly early in pregnancy, she stands a high risk of getting a baby with birth defects.
For this reason, it is advisable that all women of reproductive age be vaccinated against rubella. You can ask your doctor about this and have him/her prescribe the vaccine. Most private hospitals have the vaccine.
It’s good that you are thinking of this early, as prevention is really the only way.
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