CMV in pregnancy

What is a CMV?

CMV or Cytomegalovirus is a virus causing a very common infection. Almost half the population has been infected by CMV at some time or the other. Usually CMV does not show any symptoms and resolves on its own but in cases of low immunity of the body including pregnancy, CMV may lead to a serious infection.

What are the signs and symptoms of CMV infection?

CMV does not cause any noticeable symptoms but if present during low immunity or pregnancy, it can lead to common and non specific symptoms such as fever, sore throat, swollen glands and tiredness.

Can CMV infection be transmitted to an unborn baby?

Yes, CMV infection can be passed on to the unborn child. The CMV virus can easily cross the placenta and infect your unborn baby. The infection is more likely to happen if :

• You have been infected with cmv for the first time during pregnancy.
• The virus was previously dormant in your body but has become active during pregnancy due to low immune system.
• The current infection is due to a different train of virus.

Does CMV cause problems for the baby?

Yes, CMV can lead to a serious problems for the newborn baby. The congenital issues which may be present if the child was infected during pregnancy are:

• They may have microcephaly or small sized head and brain.
• They may develop rash all over the body.
• The child may have seizures due to a problems of brain development.
• They can also have problems of liver, lungs and spleen.

Babies who had CMV at birth are also more likely to develop some problems at an older age. These include:

• Development of hearing loss
• Development of vision loss
• Lack of coordination or weakness or limbs
• May develop seizures
• May have intellectual disabilities

The hearing loss may develop in the later ages even if the baby has passed the newborn hearing test. The hearing loss can also get worse with age.

How is CMV infection spread?

CMV spreads from person to person by coming in contact with bodily fluids. This includes fluids such as urine, blood, semen, saliva and breast milk. If you touch an object which has infected body fluids on it, infection can spread to you. It can also be spread by coughing and sneezing.

Can CMV spread by breastfeeding?

Yes, breastfeeding can also spread a CMV infection to a baby as the virus is present in the bodily fluids which includes breast milk.

How to protect myself against CMV infection during pregnancy?

The best way to protects again CMV is to follow properly hygiene with basic steps such as:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water.
• Regularly clean surfaces which may come in contact with bodily fluids.
• Avoid sharing cups, utensils and food.

Is there a CMV vaccine available?

Currently, no vaccine is available for CMV and hence it is important to prevent getting the infection.