Rubella and its relationship with congenital infections in pregnant women at the Jipijapa Canton Health Center

Abstract

Rubella infection is a disease transmitted from mother to child and is associated with genetic abnormalities and a high rate of prenatal and neonatal mortality. Congenital infections refer to a group of perinatal infections caused by pathogens transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, primarily through the placenta. Rubella virus infection during pregnancy predisposes the fetus to developing congenital deformities known as congenital rubella syndrome. It is worth mentioning that the most notable risks for congenital infections include geographic location and socioeconomic factors. The objective of this research was to assess rubella and its relationship with congenital infections in pregnant women at the Jipijapa Canton Health Center. The methodology was based on an observational, descriptive, prospective cross-sectional study involving 197 pregnant women between the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. The results showed that 41.1% of participants were between 19 and 24 years of age, 85.3% had a normal body weight, 9.1% were overweight, and 5.1% were underweight. Serological tests for rubella (both IgG and IgM) were entirely negative. No statistically significant associations between the studied variables could be established. In conclusion, despite the negative result for the infection, TORCH testing and prenatal checkups are necessary. Furthermore, it is important to minimize pregnant women's exposure to risk factors that may negatively impact their health and that of their babies.