Hello and welcome to the Zero to Finals podcast.

My name is Tom and in this episode I'm going to be talking to you about infections in pregnancy.

And you can find written notes on this topic at zero to finals.com slash infections

or in the antenatal care section of the Zero to Fin finals, obstetrics and gynecology book.

So let's get straight into it.

Let's start by talking about Rubella.

Rubella is also known as German measles.

Congenital Rubella syndrome is caused by maternal infection with the

rebella virus during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. The risk is highest before 10 weeks

of gestation. Women planning to become pregnant should ensure they have had the MMR vaccine.

When in doubt, they can be tested for Rubella immunity.

If they do not have antibodies to Rubella, they can be vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine three months apart.

Pregnant women should not receive the MMR vaccine as it's a live vaccine.

If a pregnant woman is found not to be immune to Rubella, they should be offered the vaccine

after giving birth. The effects of congenital rebella syndrome to be aware of

are congenital deafness,

congenital cataracts,

congenital heart disease,

such as a patent ductus arteriosis

and pulmonary stenosis

and learning disability.

If you remember one feature of congenital rubella syndrome, remember congenital deafness. Next let's talk about chicken pox.

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