How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After MMR Vaccination?

How long after receiving the vaccine should one wait before trying to conceive?

Dear Doctor: I have a lovely daughter who just turned 8 months old, and I am planning to get pregnant again.
However, I received an MMR vaccine on July 30, 2001, in the United States as part of my green card application process.
The nurse informed me that I should not get pregnant for three months after the vaccination.
Is this true? If I were to become pregnant during this time, what potential issues or complications could arise for the baby? I am really worried...
Additionally, what is the safest time frame to wait before trying to conceive again? I would greatly appreciate your help in addressing my concerns.
Thank you! Yen

yen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/10/04

Dr. Wang Hanzhou reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

MMR is an abbreviation for the combined vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella.
It is well established that rubella infection during the early stages of pregnancy can result in a one-third chance of fetal malformations.
However, the current vaccines rarely contain live attenuated strains, which should mitigate this concern.
The recommendation to wait three months after vaccination before attempting to conceive is considered quite safe.

Reply Date: 2001/10/04

More Info

After receiving the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, it is generally recommended to wait at least 28 days before trying to conceive. This recommendation is primarily due to the rubella component of the vaccine, as rubella infection during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to serious congenital defects in the baby, known as congenital rubella syndrome. However, the MMR vaccine itself contains a live attenuated virus, and while it is considered safe for most individuals, it is prudent to follow the guidance of healthcare professionals regarding pregnancy after vaccination.

In your case, since you received the MMR vaccine on July 30, 2001, and are considering pregnancy, waiting three months as advised by the nurse is a conservative approach that aligns with past recommendations. However, current guidelines suggest that a waiting period of 28 days is sufficient for most individuals. Therefore, if you are in good health and have no other complications, you may consider trying to conceive after this period.

If you were to become pregnant within the three-month window after receiving the MMR vaccine, the risk of adverse effects on the fetus is considered very low. Studies have shown that there is no significant increase in the risk of congenital rubella syndrome or other birth defects in babies born to mothers who received the MMR vaccine shortly before or during early pregnancy. In fact, extensive research has indicated that the likelihood of fetal harm from the vaccine is negligible.
If you are already pregnant and concerned about the potential effects of having received the MMR vaccine, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide reassurance and may recommend additional monitoring during your pregnancy. Regular prenatal care, including ultrasounds and other assessments, can help ensure that your baby is developing normally.

Regarding the timing of your next pregnancy, it is generally advisable to allow your body some time to recover after childbirth. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends waiting at least 18 months between pregnancies to reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby. However, individual circumstances vary, and factors such as your overall health, age, and personal preferences should also be considered when planning for another pregnancy.

In summary, while the previous recommendation was to wait three months after MMR vaccination before trying to conceive, current guidelines suggest that a waiting period of 28 days is sufficient. If you are already pregnant, the risk of complications from having received the vaccine is very low, and you should consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Lastly, consider allowing some time between pregnancies for optimal health outcomes for both you and your future children.

Similar Q&A

MMR Vaccine and Pregnancy: Guidelines for Women and Men

After receiving the MMR vaccine, women are advised to avoid pregnancy for three months. However, there are no similar restrictions for men after receiving the MMR vaccine.

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Fish: According to the recommendations in the [Clinical Practice Manual for Adult Vaccination], please confirm whether you are pregnant or may become pregnant before receiving the MMR vaccine. The advised period for contraception after vaccination has been changed from t...

Is It Safe to Get Pregnant After German Measles Vaccine?

Hello, Dr. Hsu. I received the German measles vaccine on September 27. I understand that I should not become pregnant for 3 to 6 months. However, I have heard that it is safe to conceive after 3 months. If I want to get pregnant after 3 months, is there a way to test to ensure it...

Dr. Xu Junzheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Generally speaking, three months is considered safe, while six months is a more cautious timeframe. However, there is currently no method to verify safety. Thank you!

How Long is MMR Vaccine Effective Before Pregnancy?

I received the MMR vaccine in the 9th grade, and I heard that the effectiveness of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine lasts for about ten years. If I want to get pregnant in a year, do I need to get the MMR vaccine again?

Dr. Peng Yiguo reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Generally, if you are planning to get pregnant, it is recommended to have your antibody levels tested through a blood draw six months prior to conception. If you still have immunity, you can feel reassured. However, if your antibody levels drop to a point where there is no...

How Soon Can I Get Pregnant After the Hepatitis B Vaccine?

Hello, I will complete the third dose of the hepatitis B vaccine in mid-February. How long should I wait before trying to conceive? Thank you.

Dr. Zhang Yongxuan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
You can get pregnant immediately, as it is not related to the hepatitis B vaccine (it is made from a killed virus; if it were a vaccine made from a live virus, like the rubella vaccine, you would need to wait three months to six months for it to be fully absorbed before trying to...