Today I received this info. about CMV + pregnancy:

Most people who have it don’t know it. But, if you are pregnant, what you don’t know about cytomegalovirus can hurt your baby.

CMV is the most common virus transmitted to a pregnant woman’s unborn child. Approximately 1 in 150 children is born with congenital CMV infection; approximately 1 in 750 children is born with, or develops, permanent disabilities due to CMV.

Disabilities that CMV can cause

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 8,000 children each year suffer permanent disabilities caused by CMV. Those disabilities include:

 –  Seizures
 –  Hearing loss
 –  Vision loss
 –  Mental disability
 –  Growth problems
 –  Bleeding disorders
 –  Lung problems

CMV not a problem for adults but dangerous to unborn babies and those with weakened immune systems

Between 50 percent and 80 percent of adults in the United States are infected with CMV by the age of 40. In most cases, the virus causes no symptoms, or very mild symptoms, and poses no threat.  However, in children and adults with weakened immune systems, and in unborn babies, CMV can be dangerous — and deadly.

How CMV is spread

CMV is found in body fluids, including urine, saliva, breast milk, blood, tears, semen, and vaginal fluids, and it can be spread by close personal contact. It can also be spread by small children infected with the virus.

Young children most likely to have CMV

According to the CDC, very young children are more likely to be infected with CMV than older children or adults; contact with the saliva or urine of a young child is a major cause of CMV infection among pregnant women. For example, coming into contact with the saliva (from kissing a child) or urine (after changing a diaper and then touching your eyes, or the inside of your nose or mouth) can cause a woman to contract CMV.

How pregnant women can protect themselves against CMV

For that reason, the CDC urges pregnant women who have young children, or who work with young children, to be especially careful.

Women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should follow these precautionary measures:

 –  Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers. Wash well for 15 to 20 seconds.

 –  Do not kiss young children (under the age of 5 or 6) on the mouth or cheek.

 –  Do not share food, drinks or eating/drinking utensils with young children.

 –  If you work in a daycare setting, try to arrange to work with children older than 2½ .