However, CMV is only really dangerous to your baby if you catch it for the first time during pregnancy. On average, there is a 40% chance that you will pass the virus on to your baby. Approximately 1 in 10 unborn babies who catch CMV from their mother develop serious problems as a result (about 300 a year).
If you are infected with CMV during the early stages of pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage or damage to the baby, resulting in problems such as hearing or visual impairment. If you get CMV later in pregnancy, it can cause stillbirth or an early (premature) labour. The baby may be born with congenital CMV and may have jaundice (yellowing of the skin), problems with the liver and blood, or hearing, visual and learning difficulties.
If you have already had the CMV virus and have the antibodies (disease-fighting cells) it is unlikely you will pass it on to your baby. If you have come into contact with CMV during pregnancy or you are showing any of the symptoms, you should see your GP or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647. If you are pregnant and unsure whether you have previously had CMV, you can have a blood test to find out if you have got the CMV antibodies. However, this is not a routine part of the screening programme during pregnancy because there is no immunisation or simple treatment for it.
It is also very rare for healthy adults to get CMV, but you should always ensure high standards of hygiene nonetheless. Wash your hands thoroughly, particularly after coming into contact with nappies or the saliva of other children.
© Crown Copyright
(www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk 30/09/2007) |
