An Rh-negative pregnant woman with negative rubella titers should be vaccinated when?

Vaccination for rubella is crucial for protecting both the mother and the fetus from potential complications associated with rubella infection during pregnancy. When a woman is found to have negative rubella titers, indicating that she is not immune to rubella, it is vital to administer the vaccine at the appropriate time to ensure safety for both the mother and the developing fetus.

The correct response is to vaccinate during the postpartum period. This timing is essential because rubella vaccination is a live attenuated vaccine, and its administration during pregnancy poses a risk of teratogenic effects on the developing fetus. Therefore, to avoid any potential harm, vaccination should occur after delivery when the risks are mitigated.

Vaccination at any time during pregnancy, in the second trimester, or in the third trimester would expose the fetus to the live virus, which can lead to congenital rubella syndrome and other serious complications. Thus, protective measures necessitate waiting until after the pregnancy to ensure the safety of both the mother and her newborn.