PUBLIC Health Wales (PHW) is urging women across the country to check whether they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine before trying for a baby.

Protecting against measles, mumps and rubella, the vaccination - which has been proven to be safe and effective - cannot be given to women during pregnancy.

PHW say that previously pregnant woman could take a blood test to check their immunity to rubella – also known as German measles.

If they were not immune, a vaccination was offered after the baby was born. But the blood test will be stopping in Wales on Monday (October 3) due to the success of the MMR immunisation, which has almost eradicated rubella.

The decision was taken by the Welsh Government following a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee. Antenatal rubella screening has already stopped in England and Scotland.

Dr Richard Roberts, the head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme for PHW, said: “Rubella, or German measles, is a viral infection and spreads easily from one person to another.

“It is normally a mild illness and someone with rubella may have a rash and feel unwell for about a week."

“Due to the success of the MMR immunisation programme in pre-school children, rubella is rare in Wales and we have had no cases in the last decade,” Dr Roberts added.

“However, catching rubella in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious damage to a baby’s brain, heart, eyes and hearing. This is called congenital rubella syndrome.”

Sharon Hillier, deputy director of screening for Public Health Wales, said: “As the MMR cannot be given while you are pregnant we are encouraging women thinking about having a baby to check that they have had their two doses of MMR vaccine before becoming pregnant.

“It is really important that any pregnant woman who develops a rash or has come into contact with someone with a rash, should telephone their midwife or GP for advice.

“Women should avoid becoming pregnant for one month after receiving the MMR vaccination, so a reliable method of contraception is needed.”

For information on vaccinations, visit nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/doityourself/vaccinations/Leaflets/