Risks during pregnancy
The risks from getting rubella during the different stages of pregnancy are outlined below.
First trimester (weeks 0 to 13): If you contract rubella during the first trimester, there is a very high risk (up to 90%) that your baby will be affected. The earlier in your pregnancy that you catch rubella, the greater the risk to the baby.
After week 10, the risk to the baby is reduced, however, they may develop problems with their sight or hearing, which may not become apparent until they are older.
Second trimester (weeks 14 to 26): In weeks 14 and 15, there is still a risk to the baby. They may develop problems with their sight or hearing that may not become apparent until they are older.
Third trimester (week 27 to birth): After week 16, the risk to the baby is low.
If you are pregnant and you know that you are not immune to rubella, you must keep away from anyone who has rubella, particularly during your first 16 weeks of pregnancy.