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Before Pregnancy

Pregnancy tests

 

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

It is important to get MMR before becoming pregnant to reduce the risk of becoming infected with rubella which can pass on to the unborn child, causing Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). CRS can cause severe birth defects and neurodevelopmental problems for the infant.106

 

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B infection during pregnancy can pass be passed to the infant during birth. Hepatitis B can lead to serious, ongoing health problems for the child.106

 

Chickenpox (varicella)

If a pregnant person develops chickenpox during pregnancy, they are at risk of complications such as pneumonia. For the infant, the risks depend on the timing of the infection.106

If chickenpox develops during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy the infant risks developing a rare group of serious birth defects known as congenital varicella syndrome. A baby who has congenital varicella syndrome might develop skin scarring, and eye, brain, limb, and gastrointestinal abnormalities.106

If chickenpox develops during the few days before delivery to 48 hours postpartum, the baby might be born with a potentially life-threatening infection called neonatal varicella.106

Both the MMR vaccines are well as the chickenpox vaccine, are live-attenuated vaccines (refer to section 4 “Types of Vaccines”) meaning they are contraindicated during pregnancy. Getting those vaccines at least one month prior to pregnancy, will ensure immunity without complications to the pregnancy.105

For more information, regarding vaccine education before pregnancy, please refer to the CDC.