What should you know about measles during pregnancy?

Measles is a contagious viral infection that commonly causes fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a rash. Pregnancy can change how an infection is monitored, so possible exposure or symptoms should be reported promptly to the maternity team or a GP. This does not mean every fever or rash is measles; a clinician considers the pattern, exposure and vaccination history.

Avoid visiting a clinic without calling first. The team may arrange a safer route for assessment and advise how to protect other pregnant people, babies and people with weakened immunity.

Call your maternity service or arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) as soon as possible if you have been exposed or develop a rash with fever. Mention how far along the pregnancy is, when contact occurred, current symptoms, travel and any available vaccination record. Stay away from shared indoor spaces until you receive instructions, and do not self-start medicines without checking that they are suitable in pregnancy.

The [MMR Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/mmr-vaccination/) is generally discussed before or after pregnancy rather than as a self-directed response during pregnancy. Ask the maternity team what prevention plan applies to you and your household.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, confusion, a seizure, collapse, severe dehydration or reduced responsiveness. Seek urgent maternity advice for significant worsening, inability to keep fluids down, or concerns about pregnancy symptoms. For related information, see [Measles](/conditions/measles/), [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) and [Swollen Glands](/symptoms/swollen-glands/).

Ask whether exposure requires monitoring, which medicines are suitable, how to protect household contacts, when to attend assessment, and whether your vaccination record needs review after pregnancy.