When you’re pregnant or planning to be, you may find yourself both excited and anxious. There are so many things to prepare for and learn and the overwhelm of “what if” concerns can add up quickly. Though fears about what you may not be able to control are normal, equipping yourself with knowledge about potential risks is one powerful way to stay informed and in control of things you can address while you’re expecting.
One condition you might not yet be aware of is a common virus with a highly uncommon name: congenital cytomegalovirus. Here’s what you should know during your pregnancy.
What Is Congenital Cytomegalovirus?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an infection that affects people of all ages, and is so common that up to 90% of the population contracts it by the age of 80. In healthy adults, CMV usually doesn’t present symptoms, and will therefore often go undetected. But adults with compromised immune systems from factors like HIV or an organ transplant may experience fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and other flu-like symptoms. In these groups, CMV can also lead to digestive and nervous system issues, pneumonia, and other complications.
Because babies also have underdeveloped immune systems, newborns are also at risk for complications caused by CMV. If you’re pregnant and become infected with CMV, you could pass the virus via your bloodstream through the placenta. When this happens and a baby is born with the illness, it’s known as congenital CMV, or cCMV.
In infants, symptoms of CMV include:
- Jaundice
- Rash
- Low birth weight
- Seizures
- Anemia
- Hearing loss
- Enlargement of the liver or spleen
- Microcephaly (small head)
- Developmental delays including motor skills
Is Congenital Cytomegalovirus Contagious?
CMV is contagious and can be spread through bodily fluids. Aside from passing CMV through your placenta during pregnancy, the virus can travel through:
- Sexual contact
- Breast milk
- Transplanted organs or blood transfusions
- Direct contact with bodily fluids, including saliva and urine
What Is the Cause of Cytomegalovirus?
CMV is caused by a virus in the same family as chickenpox, herpes, and mononucleosis. Like other conditions in this category, it’s believed that the virus goes through periods of dormancy, but if your immune system is compromised (which can occur during pregnancy), the virus can reactivate and spread through your bodily fluids. Lab tests can determine whether you have been previously infected, which will help you and your obstetrician make decisions about further in utero and post-birth testing to monitor your baby’s health.
How Is It Treated?
While there’s no cure for cCMV, treatment options like antiviral medications are available if your baby should become sick with the illness. These treatments may be administered if symptoms like low platelet counts, swollen lungs, or hearing or vision issues emerge. Because some babies may experience long-term complications, other treatments, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy are available to support their development as they grow.
With that in mind, it’s important to note that many babies with cCMV won’t develop any symptoms. While one in 200 babies are born with the condition, only one in five affected will experience long-term health problems. Rarely, babies born with cCMV may develop hearing or vision problems later on, but routine pediatric care can help catch and address issues early.
How to Prevent CMV
The good news is that CMV prevention involves many of the sensible practices you’re likely already following to avoid illnesses while pregnant. “Keep up with frequent handwashing, avoiding contact with people who are sick, and only eating or touching your face after you’ve washed your hands,” says Dr. Deanna Guthrie, physician at Rosa Gynecology. “Since young children can carry the virus unknowingly, caregivers should be especially mindful to avoid sharing food, cups, or utensils with little ones.”
Schedule an Appointment With Rosa Gynecology
There’s so much to think about when it comes to family planning, and the caring providers at Rosa Gynecology are here to walk you through every question and concern. Whether you’re seeking guidance while trying to become pregnant or you’re due for an annual exam, our team is ready to support you with compassionate and comprehensive gynecologic care. Schedule an appointment with one of our providers online or by calling 770-487-9604.
