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When I first learned I was pregnant, my healthcare provider sat me down to discuss essential guidelines for a healthy pregnancy. The list was extensive, primarily focusing on what to avoid: no alcohol, no smoking, no sushi, limited caffeine, and no cold cuts. She outlined the necessary prenatal screenings and regular ultrasounds. However, there was one critical topic that was never mentioned: Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV). According to the National CMV Foundation, this virus is the most prevalent viral infection and the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss among newborns in the United States.
Until recently, I had never heard of CMV, which is not surprising given that 91% of women are unaware of it, even though over half of adults worldwide have contracted the virus by age 40. To raise awareness, Moderna hosted a webinar to inform the public about CMV.
Understanding CMV
CMV is a widespread virus that can affect individuals of any age. Once contracted, the virus remains in the body for life. For most healthy individuals, CMV poses little threat, often presenting no symptoms at all. If symptoms do develop, they usually resemble common cold symptoms. However, for pregnant individuals or those with weakened immune systems, the consequences can be severe. Dr. Lisa Green, an expert in infectious diseases, summarizes it succinctly: “CMV is both common and complex.”
What is Congenital CMV?
When a baby contracts CMV while in the womb, it is known as Congenital CMV. This is the most common viral infection passed from mother to child during pregnancy in the United States, affecting around 30,000 children each year. While many babies born with Congenital CMV appear healthy at birth, approximately 20% (around 6,000 children) will experience lasting health issues, with about 400 fatalities annually. The National CMV Foundation identifies several potential complications associated with Congenital CMV, including:
- Hearing loss (the leading non-genetic cause)
- Vision impairment
- Cognitive disabilities
- Microcephaly (smaller head or brain size)
- Intracranial calcifications
- Coordination issues
- Cerebral palsy
- Feeding difficulties or Failure to Thrive (FTT)
- Sleep, behavioral, or sensory challenges
- Seizures
- Death (in rare instances)
How Can You Prevent CMV?
Corina Ellis, a health advocate, emphasizes that “awareness is the first step toward effective change.” The initial step in preventing CMV is recognizing its existence. In 2020, over 400 million searches were made related to pregnancy, but only three million were about CMV, highlighting a significant knowledge gap.
To protect yourself, particularly if you’re pregnant or planning to conceive, it’s crucial to educate yourself about CMV. The National CMV Foundation is a valuable resource dedicated to empowering women to manage their health before CMV can affect them or their families. Dr. Michelle Hart, a pediatrician and mother of a toddler affected by Congenital CMV, also encourages women to inform their healthcare providers about the virus.
Another essential preventive measure is practicing good hygiene, especially for those with young children or who work in daycare settings. In the U.S., nearly one in three children will have contracted CMV by their fifth birthday, and proper handwashing becomes critical since toddlers may not display symptoms. It is vital to wash your hands after changing diapers, wiping a child’s mouth or nose, or handling toys and pacifiers. CMV spreads through direct and prolonged contact with bodily fluids like saliva, urine, and breast milk, not through casual contact.
Raising awareness, educating oneself, and taking preventive steps are key for current and future generations. Dr. Green emphasizes, “We owe it to future families to be informed about this issue.” Although CMV can be alarming, it is also preventable. Moderna is actively working on an mRNA vaccine to combat CMV, but until then, staying informed is essential. As the saying goes, knowledge is power.
For further insights, check out our related blog post on home insemination. If you’re looking for authoritative resources on this subject, visit Make a Mom for more information. The NHS also provides an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
CMV is a prevalent yet often overlooked virus that poses significant risks, particularly for pregnant individuals. Awareness and education are crucial in preventing its transmission and protecting future generations. Maintaining good hygiene, especially around young children, is essential for minimizing the risk of contagion. With ongoing research, including potential vaccines, the future holds promise for better management of CMV.