By Dr. Gail Demmler-Harrison
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common virus that most people have never heard of. Most everyone will catch CMV at some time in their lives and never know they have it.
If a woman gets CMV for the first time while she is pregnant, she can be in a potentially dangerous situation. CMV infects almost 1 out of every 100 newborns in the United States and is the most common congenital infection.
The virus is passed to the unborn baby from the mother and can cause serious complications in the newborn, like platelet problems, liver disease and lung disease. It can also cause long-term effects on hearing, vision, growth and development by invading the brain, eyes and ears.
What makes CMV even more dangerous is that most people, including pregnant women, have never heard of CMV. Since CMV does not cause a rash like its cousin, chicken pox, you do not know who is infected and shedding the CMV.
The good news is CMV infection is potentially preventable.
If a pregnant woman is aware of CMV, she can take simple hygienic precautions to reduce her exposure to the virus. Toddlers are a “hot zone” for CMV, and by slightly modifying your behavior while pregnant, you can reduce your risk of catching this silent virus.
CMV is present in saliva and urine, so…
- Do not share food or drink with your toddler — no more “one for mommy one for baby” mealtime games while you’re pregnant.
- Do not kiss your toddler on the lips or cheek, rather hug them and give them a loving kiss on the top of the head while you’re pregnant.
- Wash your hands carefully after changing diapers and wiping your toddler’s nose and face.
An ounce of CMV awareness and three simple hygienic precautions while you’re pregnant are all it takes to save your unborn baby from a potentially devastating infection.
But, what if you contract CMV during pregnancy? I’ve put together a list of questions and answers with basic information that I hope you’ll find helpful. Click here to read my other blog.