Measles and Pregnancy: What Maternal-Fetal Medicine Subspecialists Need to Know

This document was created by the The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) Committee on Infectious Diseases and Emerging Threats. 

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a preventable, highly contagious, acute febrile viral illness and an important cause of mortality and morbidity. As of March 21, 2024, 64 measles cases have been reported by 17 jurisdictions (Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington) and have been linked to decreased vaccination rates and increased travel (see The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Measles Cases and Outbreaks for updates). Pregnant individuals are at increased risk for measles-related complications such as pneumonia and for adverse perinatal outcomes such as miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, and low birth weight. This document provides interim guidance and clinical considerations for measles and pregnancy.