Women at higher risk of contracting measles during pregnancy

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine warns that women 25 years and older may not be protected against measles or even know if they are.

Dr. Neil Silverman, a board member of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, says women born between 1963 and 1989 more than likely only received one dose of the MMR. Two doses of the vaccination is recommended for immunity.

"Their immunity is sub-optimal," Silverman said.

During pregnancy, a woman's immune function is suppressed, making her more prone to serious measles complications.

If a pregnant woman was to get measles, not only would it dangerous to her, but it would also be very dangerous to her unborn child.

"Pregnant women who get the measles are at increased risk for low birth weight newborns, as well as pre-term labor and pre-term delivery," Silverman said.

Silverman urges all women of child-bearing age to check their measles immunity. The MMR vaccine is made with a live weakened virus and cannot be administered to pregnant women.

"It's clearly not recommended that people actively be vaccinated with the MMR vaccine during pregnancy," Silverman said.

Silverman added that although there are no known cases of women getting seriously ill if they inadvertently got the MMR vaccine while pregnant, it is still not advised.

Since the MMR vaccine isn't given to a child until 1 year old, infants don't have any immunity.

"Those newborns are at risk if their parents and all the other family members who come into contact with them aren't immunized as well," Silverman said.

Ultrasound technician Cindy Ramirez has been fully immunized against measles, but as an expectant mom, coming into contact with unvaccinated pregnant women worries her.

"Your baby will be in danger and yourself, so it's important," Ramirez said.

Serious complications of measles include pneumonia, brain infections and death.