When I first learned I was pregnant, my healthcare provider provided a thorough rundown of what to expect during my pregnancy, covering essential dos and don’ts. The list was extensive: no alcohol, no smoking, no sushi, moderate coffee intake, and avoid cold cuts. While she discussed various prenatal tests and ultrasounds, one crucial topic was overlooked—Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV). This virus is the most prevalent viral infection and the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss among infants in the United States, as highlighted by the National CMV Foundation.
Before researching CMV, I had never even heard of it. This isn’t surprising, given that 91 percent of women are unaware of CMV, even though over half of all individuals globally become infected by the time they reach 40 years old. The combination of CMV’s widespread occurrence and its lack of visibility led Moderna to conduct a webinar aiming to increase public awareness.
What Is CMV?
CMV is a virus that can infect individuals of all ages and remains dormant in the body for life following initial infection. While it is usually benign—most healthy people experience no symptoms or mild cold-like symptoms—its implications can be severe for pregnant individuals or those with compromised immune systems. “In essence, CMV is both common and complex,” explains Dr. Jamie Collins, VP of Clinical Research at Moderna.
Understanding Congenital CMV
When a fetus is infected with CMV during pregnancy, it is termed Congenital CMV, which is the most prevalent congenital viral infection in the U.S., affecting around 30,000 infants each year. Babies born with Congenital CMV often appear normal at birth, but sadly, about 20 percent of them may develop serious health issues. This translates to roughly 6,000 children per year facing lifelong challenges, with as many as 400 infants succumbing to related complications annually, according to the National CMV Foundation.
The National CMV Foundation identifies several potential birth defects and developmental disabilities that can arise from Congenital CMV, including:
- Hearing loss (the leading non-genetic cause)
- Vision impairment
- Cognitive disabilities
- Microcephaly (small head)
- Intracranial calcifications
- Coordination difficulties
- Cerebral palsy
- Feeding problems or Failure to Thrive (FTT)
- Sleep and behavioral issues
- Seizures
- In rare instances, death
How Can You Prevent CMV?
Corinna White, Moderna’s Chief Communications Officer, emphasizes that “awareness is the first step towards effective change.” The initial step in preventing CMV is simply acknowledging its existence. In 2020, there were over 400 million pregnancy-related searches, yet only three million were focused on CMV. This implies that less than one percent of pregnancy inquiries pertained to a virus that is a leading cause of birth defects in the U.S.
The next step involves educating yourself about CMV, especially if you are of childbearing age or planning to become pregnant. The National CMV Foundation is a fantastic resource, dedicated to empowering women to take control of their health before CMV affects them or their families. Dr. Sofia Lee, MD, FAAP, President Elect of the National CMV Foundation, also encourages women to inform their healthcare providers about CMV.
Good hygiene practices are essential for CMV prevention, particularly for women with toddlers or those working in childcare settings, as nearly one in three children in the U.S. are infected with CMV by age five. Washing hands thoroughly after changing diapers, wiping a child’s nose or mouth, and handling toys or pacifiers is crucial. CMV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids like saliva, urine, and breast milk.
Raising awareness, educating yourself, and practicing preventive measures are vital for current and future generations. Dr. Collins reinforces this importance, stating, “We owe it to future families to be informed about this issue.” While CMV is common and concerning, it is also preventable. Moderna is actively developing an mRNA vaccine to combat CMV infection, and until such a vaccine is available, staying informed is key. As the saying goes, knowledge is power.
For more information about CMV, you can check out another one of our blog posts here. Additionally, if you’re looking for ways to enhance your fertility, consider visiting Make a Mom, an authority on this topic. For further insights on pregnancy and home insemination, Healthline is an excellent resource.
Search Queries:
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Summary:
CMV is a frequently occurring virus with significant risks for pregnant individuals, often overlooked in prenatal discussions. Awareness, education, and hygiene practices are critical to reducing the risks of Congenital CMV, which can lead to serious health issues in newborns. With ongoing research into vaccines, it is essential for individuals to stay informed about CMV to protect future generations.