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Important Advice For Women About Measles

Although anyone who gets the measles can be in for a rough time, there is one group for whom we have special concern: women of child-bearing age who go on to become pregnant.

In other words, if you are considering becoming pregnant, it's extra important that you have been immunized against the disease. And if you've only had one vaccine, it's recommended that you get a second immunization. That will give you 97 percent protection. You can also have the measles titer blood test to check your level of immunity.

What makes this pre-pregnancy planning so important is that we cannot give you a measles shot, or an MMR vaccine, once you are pregnant.

The effects of measles during pregnancy can be devastating to mother and baby alike.

Pregnant women are at high risk for complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (infection of the lining of the brain).

In the womb, the consequences include miscarriage, stillbirth, impaired growth and possibly birth defects.

Keep in mind that when you look at the majority of people who have gotten sick with this outbreak -- it's mainly adults. So make sure you, and those around you, are up to date with their measles protection.

For more information on measles and pregnancy visit smfmnewsroom.org.

Dr. Dave Hnida is CBS4's Medical Editor. He blogs about the latest studies and trends in the health world. Read his latest blog entries, check out his bio or follow him on Twitter @drdavehnida.

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