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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

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Original poster

Rubella screening test

17 replies

Binkster · 20/01/2010 18:38

Hello, Does anyone know how long it takes for the results of a Rubella screening test to come through? I'm going to have mine tomorrow and (assuming I'm immune) hoping to start TTC soon.... Also how long do you have to wait if you have to have the vaccination? I'm getting so impatient I don't want anything to hold it up

OP posts:

Fairygodmother1 · 20/01/2010 19:57

Hi,
Should only take a couple of days. I knew I was immune anyway as i had had MMR when I was about 7/8 years old & again at 14/15. Has your GP or consultant ordered the bloods done?

applecharlotte · 20/01/2010 20:25

Hi.. I'm going for the blood test on friday. My GP said that if it comes back that you need a refresher jab that it needs to be in your system for 3 months before you conceive.. not sure what would happen if you got pregnant before that time though?

Good luck fingers crossed for you

Original poster

Binkster · 20/01/2010 20:52

My gp suggested that I got it done when I went just before Christmas and said that we were planning to ttc in the new year. I remember having the tester when I was 15 or so- the 'bumps' came up on my wrist so I didn't have to have the jab in the end. So hopefully will be immune still- 3 months would drive me crazy, but I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end!

OP posts:

decafgirl · 20/01/2010 21:44

The 'bump' test was probably for TB hon, the rubella jab is usually given around age 10 or 11. I think I got my results back within a couple of days. Rubella can cause all sorts of problems to the foetus which is why they like you to be immune. The 3 months after you've had it (if you needed it) is because it's a live vaccine so you have to wait for it to leave your system and immunity to be built up before you ttc.

Ooh, I feel like a smarty pants....I'n really not

Hope it helps & good luck xx

slowshow · 20/01/2010 21:47

Do GPs routinely offer rubella testing then? I've spoken to people who've gone for a "pre-conception check" with their GPs, and others who think it's a ludicrous idea and a waste of the Drs time...

Ozziegirly · 20/01/2010 22:27

Binkster, I had the test and wasn't immune so was vaccinated. I was advised to wait 3 months until ttc, although the Dr said 1 month would probably be ok, but 3 would be best practice.

slowshow - it's routine in Australia and they do advise that vaccinations are up to date prior to conception.

It can't hurt and you're certainly not wasting the Dr's time.

Original poster

Binkster · 21/01/2010 17:15

That's got my hopes up a bit decafgirl- I definitely had that jab aged 11.... the nurse told me this morning that the results would be a couple of days, so I will phone the docs on Monday, hopefully in time for ttc this month!

I saw the doctor in September and then completely forgot to go to the hospital, although I've been religiously taking folic acid for 3 months ready to go! I can wait another 3 months

Hope yours comes back immune too applecharlotte

OP posts:

legallyblond · 21/01/2010 17:37

I went to the dr and said that I was planning to ttc etc - I specifically asked if I should be tested for rubella immunity and he said no, that could and would routinely be done once I am pg and, if I am not immune, that's ok as it can be fixed while pg. I was unsure about this advice so went back for a second opinion (different dr, same surgery) and this advce was confirmed.

Generally, both drs saiid that I didn't need to think about anything in particuar pre-ttc except take folic acid and, if I start to think I am pg, consume minimum alcohol until i know for sure.

hippopo · 21/01/2010 18:29

Hi,

I have just been tested for rubella immunity as am already pregnant and it turns out I do not have immunity.

Doc at antenatal clinic said I would have MMR after I have given birth as unsafe to give during pregnancy. I have been advised to avoid anyone with Rubella (German Measles) or who has been into contact with someone with Rubella. It is a little bit of a worry and I do wish I had been tested before ttc and in the end in took over 2 years so would have had plenty of time but I also knew about the 3 month wait and was impatient.

Fingers crossed I do not come into contact although doc also said it is very rare nowadays.

applecharlotte · 21/01/2010 19:40

Oh hippopo, sorry to hear that (but congrats on being pregnant!).

I'm sure you'll be fine.. i mean.. I've never heard of anyone i know to have german measles or rubella. Like you say they are rare.

Fairygodmother1 · 21/01/2010 19:49

Yeah I think it is very rare. I had it as a 1 year old but not known anyone whos had it since (28 years ago).

Ozziegirly · 21/01/2010 23:11

legallyblond, that's not great advice, as the only thing they can do if they find out you're not immune is advise you to stay away from anyone with GM (a la hippopo).

GM is rare, but still, weird that they won't test you before as it certainly isn't correct to say they can vaccinate you when you are pregnant.

YeahBut · 21/01/2010 23:16

hippopo, don't worry. I've had the rubella jab 5 times and have actually had rubella once and am still not immune. I've never had a problem during any of my pregnancies and that includes an outbreak in dd1's class. This is where the success of immunisation and herd immunity amongst the general population will help protect you.

Original poster

Binkster · 22/01/2010 15:03

I got my results today- very quick considering I was only tested yesterday morning, and I'm immune- woohoo!

Hope to be talking on here a bit more over the coming months now we're officially ttc

OP posts:

legallyblond · 22/01/2010 15:19

"Ozziegirl" - it sounded odd advice to me too and that is why I went back for a second opinion... felt I couldn't really ask for a 3rd opinion though, with my GCSE biology knowledge! I ASSUME I am immune as I had the mmr jab age 9...

I also asked for an HIV blood test, just to get absolutley everything ruled out, but they also wouldn't give me that saying "they'll test routinely when you're pg"....

asuwere · 22/01/2010 15:32

legallyblond - sounds like you're being very sensible and planning well but have been given very bad advice...

You should maybe go to GUM or family planning clinic and get a full STI check which would include HIV test. The tests are offered when pg but obviously would be better to find out before...

I would also put in a complaint to your GP.

legallyblond · 22/01/2010 16:16

I knew it was bad advice... but I just wasn't sure enough of my opinion to go back for a thrid time. Af is now late by 2 days (although i haven't tested yet - eeek!!)... and I have, over the last couple of week, had no less than six anxiety nightmares (although very surreal ones!) along the lines of catching rubella/ being HIV positive (I might add there is no particular reason I might be HIV positive - I'm just the kind of person who likes to know and I did once, as a teenager, have unprotected sex...)

I HATE rubbish drs!

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