What does a negative Rubella titer indicate for a pregnant woman?

A negative Rubella titer indicates that the pregnant woman is not immune to rubella and may need vaccination after delivery. During pregnancy, if a woman has a negative titer, it reflects that she does not have sufficient antibodies against the rubella virus, which means she is susceptible to infection.

Rubella can have serious consequences for the fetus, particularly during the first trimester, leading to congenital rubella syndrome, which can cause a range of birth defects. Therefore, assessing immunity through titers is crucial during prenatal care.

While vaccination is not administered during pregnancy due to the live attenuated nature of the rubella vaccine, it is typically recommended for women to receive the vaccine postpartum to protect future pregnancies. Thus, a negative titer should prompt careful monitoring and vaccination planning after delivery.