Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common illness that's usually not cause for concern. But getting it for the first time while pregnant can lead to complications in babies such as hearing loss, vision loss, and developmental delays. Permanente ob-gyn Amy Banulis, MD, spoke with Parents magazine about what moms need to know if they develop a CMV infection while pregnant.
The majority of American adults will contract cytomegalovirus (CMV) before age 40. The virus is usually nothing more than a minor inconvenience. But if a woman catches CMV for the first time while pregnant, there's a greater risk that their baby will suffer complications.
"CMV is a herpes virus that spreads through close contact with bodily fluids like saliva, mucus, blood, urine, and semen," Dr. Banulis said. "It's usually transmitted through activities like kissing or sharing utensils."
According to Dr. Banulis, once a person is infected with CMV, it remains in their system forever and causes a latent infection that can reactivate later in life. Dr. Banulis said CMV transmission in utero isn't too common, and most infected babies don't experience any negative side effects.
"The vast majority of women are not getting a primary infection during pregnancy, because they already had CMV in the past," Dr. Banulis said. "If a woman gets it for the first time while pregnant, the risk of transmission to the fetus is about 30-40 percent. And about 25 percent of those infected in utero will develop some type of complication."
While women can't eliminate all risks of getting infected with CMV while pregnant, the best way to protect unborn babies is to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands often with soap and water. Dr. Banulis recommended extra precautions for pregnant women who are often around children, like in a daycare setting. They should consider wearing gloves when changing diapers and avoid contact with urine or saliva. Pregnant women worried about CMV infection should see their ob-gyn for a blood test.