Pregnant women who contract rubella are at risk for miscarriage or stillbirth, and their developing babies are at risk for severe birth defects with devastating, lifelong consequences. CRS can affect almost everything in the developing baby's body. The most common birth defects from CRS can include: Deafness.

How does rubella cause birth defects?

The birth defects of CRS occur because the rubella virus impacts certain cell populations during development. Increased cell death may also cause many affected fetuses and infants to be born with lower birth weights (intrauterine growth restrictions) than the gestational norms.

Does rubella affect fertility?

What is the Relation between Rubella Infection and Infertility? Since rubella infection is extremely dangerous for unborn babies, women of childbearing age are advised to undergo rubella immunity testing before trying to conceive. If immunity cannot be established, they are asked to be vaccinated.