Do They Do Measles Mumps Titer in Pregnancy?

Do They Do Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) Titer Testing in Pregnancy?

Testing for immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) through a titer test is a routine part of prenatal care to determine if a pregnant woman has sufficient antibodies and is protected against these potentially harmful infections. If immunity is not confirmed, vaccination is typically deferred until after pregnancy.

Understanding MMR and Pregnancy

Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious viral diseases that can pose significant risks during pregnancy. While rubella (German measles) is the most well-known concern, measles and mumps can also lead to complications. Screening for immunity through MMR titer testing is a preventative measure to protect both the mother and the developing fetus.

Why is MMR Titer Testing Important During Pregnancy?

• Rubella (German Measles): Rubella infection during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, can cause severe congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in the baby. CRS can lead to deafness, blindness, heart defects, intellectual disabilities, and other serious health problems.

• Measles: Measles infection during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature labor, and low birth weight. In rare cases, it can also lead to maternal pneumonia or encephalitis.

• Mumps: Mumps infection during pregnancy is less clearly associated with birth defects, but studies suggest a possible increased risk of miscarriage, particularly in the first trimester.

MMR titer testing helps identify women who are not immune to these diseases. Knowing this information allows healthcare providers to counsel patients on preventing exposure during pregnancy and to ensure they receive the MMR vaccine postpartum.

How Does MMR Titer Testing Work?

• Blood Sample: The process involves drawing a small sample of blood from the pregnant woman’s arm.

• Laboratory Analysis: The blood sample is sent to a laboratory where technicians analyze the levels of antibodies against measles, mumps, and rubella.

• Results Interpretation: The results are typically reported as positive, negative, or equivocal (borderline).

  • Positive: Indicates sufficient antibodies are present, suggesting immunity.
  • Negative: Indicates insufficient antibodies, suggesting a lack of immunity.
  • Equivocal: Suggests borderline immunity, and further testing may be recommended.

What Happens if the MMR Titer is Negative?

If the MMR titer results show a lack of immunity to one or more of these diseases, the following steps are usually taken:

• Counseling: The healthcare provider will counsel the pregnant woman about the risks of infection and how to minimize exposure.

• Avoidance: Strict avoidance of potentially infected individuals and environments is crucial.

• Postpartum Vaccination: The MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine and is generally contraindicated during pregnancy. However, vaccination is strongly recommended immediately after delivery to protect the mother and any future pregnancies.

Common Misconceptions About MMR Titer Testing

There are several misconceptions surrounding MMR titer testing during pregnancy. Some common ones include:

• Belief that previous vaccination guarantees lifelong immunity: While vaccination provides strong protection, immunity can wane over time in some individuals. Titer testing confirms current immunity status.
• Concern that the test itself poses a risk to the fetus: The blood draw for MMR titer testing is a routine and safe procedure for pregnant women.
• Thinking that only rubella is a concern: While rubella receives significant attention due to CRS, measles and mumps can also cause complications during pregnancy.

When is MMR Titer Testing Performed During Pregnancy?

• First Prenatal Visit: MMR titer testing is usually conducted during the first prenatal visit, along with other routine blood tests. This allows for early identification of susceptible women and timely counseling.

Do They Do Measles Mumps Titer in Pregnancy? A Comprehensive Overview

Test	Purpose	Timing	Result Interpretation	Action if Negative
Measles Titer	Determines immunity to measles.	First prenatal visit	Positive: Immune; Negative: Not Immune; Equivocal: Borderline, further testing may be needed	Counseling on avoidance; MMR vaccine postpartum.
Mumps Titer	Determines immunity to mumps.	First prenatal visit	Positive: Immune; Negative: Not Immune; Equivocal: Borderline, further testing may be needed	Counseling on avoidance; MMR vaccine postpartum.
Rubella Titer	Determines immunity to rubella.	First prenatal visit	Positive: Immune; Negative: Not Immune; Equivocal: Borderline, further testing may be needed	Counseling on avoidance; MMR vaccine postpartum.

Importance of Discussing MMR Titer Results with Your Healthcare Provider

It is crucial to discuss your MMR titer results with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific results and medical history. They can also address any concerns you may have and help you make informed decisions about your health during and after pregnancy.

---

Is the MMR vaccine safe to receive during pregnancy?

No, the MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine and is generally contraindicated during pregnancy. Live vaccines can potentially pose a risk to the developing fetus. If a woman is found to be non-immune during pregnancy, vaccination is recommended immediately postpartum.

What are the risks of getting rubella while pregnant?

Rubella infection during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, can cause congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). This can lead to serious birth defects, including deafness, blindness, heart defects, intellectual disabilities, and growth retardation.

What are the symptoms of measles, mumps, and rubella?

• Measles: High fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads downward.
• Mumps: Swelling of the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands (located near the ears), fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
• Rubella: Mild fever, rash (similar to measles but milder), swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain.

If I had the MMR vaccine as a child, do I still need a titer test?

Yes, a titer test is still recommended. While the MMR vaccine is highly effective, immunity can wane over time in some individuals. MMR titer testing confirms current immunity status.

What if I am unsure whether I received the MMR vaccine as a child?

If you are unsure about your vaccination history, a titer test is the best way to determine your immunity status. Do they do measles mumps titer in pregnancy? Yes, precisely for such scenarios.

How long does it take to get the results of an MMR titer test?

Results usually take a few days to a week to be available, depending on the laboratory.

How accurate is the MMR titer test?

The MMR titer test is a highly accurate method for determining immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. However, false positives and false negatives can occur, although they are relatively rare.

What does “equivocal” mean on an MMR titer test result?

An “equivocal” result indicates borderline immunity. Your healthcare provider may recommend repeat testing or consider you non-immune and advise vaccination postpartum.

Are there any risks associated with MMR titer testing?

The only risk associated with MMR titer testing is the standard risk associated with any blood draw, such as slight pain, bruising, or infection at the injection site. The risk to the fetus is negligible.

Does the MMR titer test protect me from getting these diseases during pregnancy?

The MMR titer test does not directly protect you. It only determines your immunity status. If you are found to be non-immune, avoiding exposure to these diseases is crucial until you can be vaccinated after delivery.

What are the benefits of getting the MMR vaccine after pregnancy if I wasn’t immune?

Getting the MMR vaccine after pregnancy protects you from contracting these diseases in the future, safeguarding your health and any future pregnancies. It also reduces the risk of spreading these diseases to others, especially infants who are too young to be vaccinated.

Where can I get the MMR vaccine after pregnancy?

You can get the MMR vaccine from your primary care physician, obstetrician/gynecologist, or at many pharmacies that offer vaccinations.