What can CMV do to a fetus?

What can CMV do to a fetus?

Babies with signs of congenital CMV at birth are more likely to have long-term health problems, such as:

• hearing loss.
• intellectual disability.
• vision loss.
• seizures.
• lack of coordination or weakness.

Does CMV show up in ultrasound?

Ultrasound can show some of the issues caused by congenital CMV, such as slow growth, small head size, large placenta, and changes in brain structure. However, many babies with congenital CMV will not show any signs of infection on ultrasound.

Can a baby survive CMV?

However, some babies have health problems at birth or that develop later. Some babies with congenital CMV infection have health problems that are apparent at birth or that develop later during infancy or childhood. In the most severe cases, CMV can cause the death of an unborn baby (pregnancy loss).

What are the most common laboratory findings in CMV infection in the newborn?

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) Microcephaly (small head) Low birth weight. Intrauterine growth restriction (low weight)

Should I worry about CMV in pregnancy?

Most CMV infections are “silent” and harmless, but in pregnant women, CMV can be transmitted to the fetus, with sometimes devastating effects to the unborn baby and newborn. Therefore, it is important if you are pregnant, or know someone who is pregnant, to be “CMV Aware” and “CMV Cautious”.

Which trimester is associated with the highest risk of congenital CMV?

The risk of transmission from mother to baby is highest if she gets a primary CMV infection in the third trimester (40-70%) and is lowest if the primary infection begins in the first or second trimesters (30-40%).

Can I get CMV from my husband?

Person-to-person contact – CMV is spread from one person to another by close and prolonged contact with bodily fluids such as urine, saliva, blood, faeces, tears, breast milk, semen and cervical secretions. You can catch CMV by kissing, sexual intercourse, sharing eating and drinking utensils, and sharing mouthed toys.

How is CMV treated in pregnancy?

There’s currently no treatment for CMV in pregnancy, but in most cases the virus does not cause any problems for your baby. Antiviral medicine may be used to treat: babies diagnosed with congenital CMV after they’re born. people with a weakened immune system.

What birth defects are caused by CMV?

Babies who are infected with CMV before birth are at higher risk of several defects such as microcephaly (small head size), hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), jaundice (yellow color of skin and eyes), anemia (low blood count), pneumonia, seizures, vision loss, and hearing loss and others.

How long should I wait to get pregnant after CMV?

If you are experiencing an active CMV infection, most experts recommend that women wait six to twelve months before trying to conceive again.