Measles pose danger to pregnant women, unborn babies

As an outbreak of measles cases had been declared in Metro Manila and nearby regions, experts warned that the highly contagious virus could pose a  threat to pregnant mothers and their unborn children.

According to Mariz Umali's report for "24 Oras" on Tuesday, pregnant women infected with measles during their first trimester of the pregnancy may suffer a miscarriage.

"Hindi pa mature 'yung lungs niya, hindi niya kayang huminga on her own. Anong danger nu'n sa bata? Puwedeng, eventually, hindi siya makahinga mag-e-expire, mamamatay 'yung baby,"  Dr. Rhacielle Magno, the chief resident of the East Avenue Medical Center OB/GYN department, explained.

Though it was "rubeola" type that caused the recent measles outbreak in Metro Manila, gynecologists warned that "rubella" or German measles may also cause mothers to give birth to children with severe birth defects.

"'Yung baby, may cataract, merong congenital heart defect, or sakit sa puso, tapos puwede rin na may problema sa pandinig tsaka developmental delay," said Magno.

A mother, who was admitted for measles at the San Lazaro Hospital during her first trimester, feared for the worst.

"Pag may tigdas nga daw po tas buntis, lalo na 'pag first trimester posible daw na magkaroon ng epekto sa baby kaya nag-a-alala po ako,"

The same goes for another woman at the East Avenue Medical Center with a suspected case of  measles, but had just given birth.

"Nag-wo-worry na na baka tigas din po siya kasi hindi ko rin po alam kung bakit biglang may tumubo na ganito tapos makati po kasi. Baka mahawa po," she said.

Women are highly recommended to get vaccinated for measles before pregnancy.

"Importante 'yung immunization before mag-buntis. Para proteksyon 'yun sa mga iba't ibang klase ng sakit," Magno said.

However, doctors also emphasized the importance of not getting pregnant within at least a month after measles vaccination.  

"Di puwede magbuntis for one month after the booster shot. Kasi ang pag-i-inject minimic kasi niya 'yung actual infection. Kasi ang pag-i-inject minimic kasi 'yung actual infection," she added. —Margaret Claire Layug/NB, GMA News