Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Pregnancy

11-12 weeks pregnant, Health advice

Hello Parents,

This entry will deal with the infection caused by cytomegalovirus, or CMV, which is a lot easier to write and say, right?


In this article:



You really should know that a cytomegalovirus infection is the most frequent congenital infection during pregnancy. It occurs more than Zika and HIV combined, and even so, it’s still misunderstood by parents.

While in most cases, the virus is harmless for infected people, in certain conditions it can cause a more serious infection with important repercussions. These can be people with a weak or low immune system, people who have had transplants, and pregnant women. Of course, I will deal with this last case to explain what happens during pregnancy during a CMV infection. I will also talk about possible repercussions for the future mother and congenital or neonatal infection repercussions for the baby.

Today, we know that many congenital defects in babies are caused by CMV infections. That is why I think it important to tell you more about this infection. You can then recognise the symptoms and understand the preventative steps taken.

Defining Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus part of the same family as herpes. Some define it as “Human Herpes Virus 5” (Health Canada: Herpes Simplex Virus 5). This infection’s characteristics are very similar to those in the same family. These include infectious mononucleosis, roseola, chicken pox and Zona.

Read the next part of this entry, CMV Infection Risks and Transmission.

Photo credit: tashatuvango

Discover our videos

Subscribe to a monthly or quarterly package now to access full videos.

Aqua-Form and Pregnancy

Aqua-Form and Pregnancy

Do you like water and being active with other pregnant women? Have you thought about aquafit classes? Discover the benefits
Contractions

Contractions

Contractions scare many pregnant women. If you understand why they occur, how to identify and calculate them and when you
Prematurity

Prematurity

In this video, I am accompanied by Dr. Véronique G. Dorval, a neonatologist and director of the Neonatal Clinic at
Analgesics and Anesthetics

Analgesics and Anesthetics

Are you giving birth in a hospital and would like to learn about the different ways to soothe pain? Marie

Discover other articles

Assisted Human Reproduction Techniques

Assisted Human Reproduction Techniques

The science and technology involved in the field of fertility are advancing quickly. Today, many couples can get different kinds of treatments that allow them
How do I choose hearing protection for a baby?

How do I choose hearing protection for a baby?

To read the previous part, go to What is Excessive Noise? Earmuffs and hearing protection devices are increasingly popular. They can make a significant difference
Baby Stool

Baby Stool

Updated article : October, 2023. Dear Parents, What discoveries you will make in your baby’s diaper! It’s incredible what we can find for such a
My thoughts these days are about animal management

My thoughts these days are about animal management

Read Chantal's previous story, Tick-tock…Anguish as time passes both too slowly and too quickly… Lisez le récit précédent de Chantal en consultant Les tics et

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Pregnancy

Par Marie Fortier Temps de lecture: 1 min
0