Final answer:
Rubella vaccination is given before or after pregnancy due to the danger it presents during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, it could potentially cross the placenta causing developmental defects in the baby. Post-pregnancy, it's important for Rh- mothers to receive Rh immune globulin to avoid future Rh-related complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rubella vaccination should be given before or after pregnancy, but not during, due to the potential harm it could pose to the developing fetus. When a pregnant woman becomes infected with rubella (also known as German measles), the virus is teratogenic and may cause developmental defects if it crosses the placenta. Before 11 weeks of pregnancy, there is a severe risk of complications such as stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, or congenital birth defects. Even as the pregnancy progresses, between weeks 13–16 there can still be a 35% chance of congenital defects.
Following the birth, a drug known as RhoGAM, short for Rh immune globulin, can temporarily prevent the development of Rh antibodies in the mother, averting a potentially serious disease for future pregnancies involving an Rh* fetus. RhoGAM is usually administered to Rh- mothers during weeks 26-28 of pregnancy and within 72 hours after birth.
Note also that the MMR vaccine, which provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella, is usually administered in childhood. However, a person's immunity may decrease over time or as a result of certain medical conditions, requiring further evaluation or boosters later in life.
Learn more about Rubella Vaccination