Which statement about rubella immunity during pregnancy is correct?

Which statement about rubella immunity during pregnancy is correct?

• A. If rubella IgG is negative, the mother is immune and the fetus is not at risk.
• B. If rubella IgG is positive, the mother is immune and the fetus is not at risk.
• C. If rubella IgM is positive, immunity is present.
• D. If rubella IgG is positive, you should delay pregnancy.

Answer: (C)

Rubella immunity during pregnancy is determined by antibody testing: a positive rubella IgG means protective immunity from a past infection or vaccination, so the fetus is not at risk from rubella. If IgG is negative, the mother is not immune and is susceptible to infection, which could affect the fetus if exposed. A positive rubella IgM, on the other hand, indicates a recent or active infection, not immunity, and this situation carries a real risk to the fetus, especially in early pregnancy. Therefore the statement that a positive IgG confers immunity and fetal protection is the correct way to understand rubella immunity in pregnancy, while IgM positivity signals infection rather than immunity, and negative IgG indicates susceptibility.

Rubella immunity during pregnancy is determined by antibody testing: a positive rubella IgG means protective immunity from a past infection or vaccination, so the fetus is not at risk from rubella. If IgG is negative, the mother is not immune and is susceptible to infection, which could affect the fetus if exposed. A positive rubella IgM, on the other hand, indicates a recent or active infection, not immunity, and this situation carries a real risk to the fetus, especially in early pregnancy. Therefore the statement that a positive IgG confers immunity and fetal protection is the correct way to understand rubella immunity in pregnancy, while IgM positivity signals infection rather than immunity, and negative IgG indicates susceptibility.