When you visit your health care provider for a pre conception visit or your first prenatal check up, he may take blood. A variety of tests are done. One of these is a rubella titer. This is a test to check for immunity to German measles. Although rubella is rare, contracting it during pregnancy can be very dangerous to the baby. It is a particular concern in early pregnancy when the effects are most severe. When rubella is contracted early in a pregnancy, there is a risk of miscarriage, developmental disabilities and several other birth defects, also known as congenital … Continue reading →

The chicken pox is never fun. Prior to the vaccine, most of us got the chicken pox as kids. It was uncomfortable, but rarely dangerous. The virus is always more serious for adults, but particularly pregnant women. Fortunately, about 90 percent of women are immune to the chicken pox. For these women, there is very little risk of catching the virus during pregnancy. However, if a woman has made it to child bearing age without being exposed to the virus, this can be a cause for concern. Approximately 1 in every 2000 pregnant women will catch the chicken pox during … Continue reading →

Fifth disease is cased by parvovirus B19. People often confuse this with the parvovirus that infects dogs and cats. It is not the same parvovirus as your pet can catch. You have nothing to fear even if you have a pet that has been infected with parvovirus. The form found in animals can’t be transmitted to people. Children are most often affected by fifth disease. The symptoms include a rash on the face, trunk and limbs. The rash has the look of lace. The rash on the cheeks gives the disease the nickname “slapped cheek” virus. The rash may itch, … Continue reading →