Cytomegalovirus Affects 1 in 150 Pregnancies
Has your obstetrician talked to you about cytomegalovirus? This infection, also known as CMV, is a member of the herpes family and causes birth defects in thousands of babies each year. Infection occurs from contact with saliva or urine of another infected person. Frequently, this contact comes from a preschool-age child. The problem is that CMV can be passed through the placenta to the developing baby, potentially causing birth defects such as cerebral palsy, hearing or vision loss, or mental disabilities. Strikingly, CMV affects about 1 in 150 babies born each year.
In its list of common workplace hazards, WebMD lists cytomegalovirus and rubella as important considerations for pregnant nurses and day-care workers, who are often exposed to the virus.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recently surveyed obstetricians and found that only 44% discuss CMV with their patients. As a result, the CDC released statements urging obstetricians to inform pregnant women, or those considering becoming pregnant, about steps they can take to prevent contracting CMV. Steps include washing hands frequently, especially after changing a child’s diaper or coming in contact with his saliva; avoiding kissing younger children (under age six) on the mouth or cheek; and avoiding sharing food, drink, and utensils with younger children.
Unfortunately, many people infected with CMV do not show any symptoms; if they do, it may include swollen glands, fatigue, and fever. In addition, there is no vaccine to prevent CMV, and drugs currently used against CMV are not safe for pregnant women.
Resources:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/ReproductiveHealth/WireStory?id=4184903&page=1
http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/working-while-pregnant
Read More
Jessdel27 says...
That is why we need blogs like this to help educate prospective parents. Thanks for a very informative article.