Most mums-to-be have never heard of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and the impact it can have on their unborn baby. CMV is a relatively common virus that has only minor symptoms in kids and adults. When a pregnant woman is infected and passes the virus to her baby it’s known as congenital CMV (cCMV).
Around 50 per cent of women will have been infected with CMV by young adulthood and have immunity, but for a small number of expectant mums, this virus can pose a serious risk to their baby.
In some cases, cCMV can cause hearing loss, vision problems, cognitive delays, small head size and cerebral palsy.
Often, the mum-to-be will have no symptoms of the virus other than a mild fever, which may go unnoticed.
Despite the health problems it can cause for babies, CMV is not routinely screened for during pregnancy and it is not a notifiable disease in Australia.
Around 6 of every 1,000 babies born in Australia will have cCMV. Most of the babies born with cCMV will have no symptoms at all. But around 1 in 1,000 of these babies will have permanent disabilities of some degree.
Pregnant women who work in childcare, healthcare, or have older children already are at greater risk and should be made aware of cCMV during their pre-natal care.
The germ that causes CMV are usually spread through the urine or saliva of small children.
Some simple ways to for expectant mums to protect themselves:
- Always wash your hands after changing a nappy or helping a child on the toilet, or if you come into contact with urine
- Avoid sharing food with children if you are pregnant
- Don’t share utensils or cups where possible
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