What is CMV (Cytomegalovirus) and what are the risks during pregnancy?

Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a common viral infection that infects between 50% and 85% of adults by the age of 40.  Most of the time, CMV has few or no symptoms and no long-term consequences.  After becoming infected, the virus remains in the body, dormant for the rest of the person's life. 

CMV can be of concern when a pregnant woman becomes infected.  If a woman has CMV prior to becoming pregnant, it is thought that there is little or no danger.  However, a pregnant woman who contracts CMV for the first time while pregnant may pass it to their baby.  In more than 75% of cases, it proves to be harmless.  However, in the remaining cases CMV may cause lifelong disabilities for the child.

The problems caused by CMV may or may not be obvious at birth.  Symptoms may range from moderate enlargement of the liver and spleen (with jaundice) to fatal illness.  From 80% to 90% of these children will have complications within the first few years of life that may include hearing loss, vision impairment, and varying degrees of mental retardation.  Another 5% to 10% of infants who are infected but without symptoms at birth will subsequently have varying degrees of hearing and mental or coordination problems.

You can help prevent CMV infection by doing the following:

-  Throughout the pregnancy, practice good personal hygiene, especially hand washing with soap and water, after contact with diapers or oral secretions (particularly with a child who is in day care).
-  Carefully throw away diapers, tissues and other contaminated items.
-  Avoid sharing drinking glasses and utensils with young children as well.
-  Women who develop a mononucleosis-like illness during pregnancy should be evaluated for CMV infection and counseled about the possible risks to the unborn child.

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