Prevent dangerous illnesses while pregnant by catching up on vaccinations. For
example, you were likely vaccinated with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine
as a child, but you can ask for a pre-pregnancy blood test to see if you are immune.
Doing so will prevent you from catching and passing along the diseases.
"Congenital rubella syndrome is a condition that occurs in a developing baby in
the womb whose mother is infected with the rubella virus," the CDC says. "Preg-
nant women who contract rubella are at risk for miscarriage or stillbirth, and their
developing babies are at risk for severe birth defects with devastating, lifelong
consequences."
To see what other vaccines you need as an adult before getting pregnant, visit the
HHS vaccine website. The CDC also has an Adult Vaccine Quiz to help you deter-
mine which vaccines you need.
Before Pregnancy
