Rubella and pregnancy: implications for midwifery practice

Rubella is a highly contagious, mild, viral infection. It is usually self-limiting, but in pregnancy, specifically in the first trimester, rubella poses significant risks. Rubella in pregnancy can have severe consequences for the fetus, including miscarriage, stillbirth and a range of congenital anomalies known collectively as congenital rubella syndrome. These anomalies are associated with lifelong complications, such as hearing impairment, cardiac defects, cataracts and neurodevelopmental delays. This article explores the background and epidemiology of rubella, recent global trends in reported rubella cases and rubella prevention and immunisation policies. It will also explore the role of the midwife in the context of rubella. In pregnancy, midwives are often the first point of contact for women, and are responsible for immunity screening, educating around the risks of rubella and facilitating vaccinations in the postnatal period.