Quick read
Key points
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that most people are exposed to at some point in life, usually causing mild or no symptoms. However, if a pregnant person who isn't already immune becomes infected during pregnancy, there's a risk of passing the virus to the baby, which can occasionally cause hearing loss or developmental issues.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You develop flu-like symptoms during pregnancy and have close contact with young children
01 · Know
What is Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Pregnancy?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that most people are exposed to at some point in life, usually causing mild or no symptoms. However, if a pregnant person who isn't already immune becomes infected during pregnancy, there's a risk of passing the virus to the baby, which can occasionally cause hearing loss or developmental issues.
CMV is most commonly picked up through close contact with young children's saliva or urine, since CMV is common and often symptomless in young children. Simple hygiene precautions during pregnancy can meaningfully reduce the risk of infection.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Good hygiene around young children reduces risk significantly
Since CMV spreads easily through contact with young children's saliva or urine, simple measures like careful handwashing after nappy changes or wiping a child's nose reduce the risk of infection during pregnancy.
03 · Act
When to Contact Your Maternity Team
- 1You develop flu-like symptoms during pregnancy and have close contact with young children
- 2You have concerns about CMV exposure and want to discuss testing
- 3You work closely with young children, such as in childcare, and want advice on reducing risk
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Simple Hygiene Measures Are the Main Prevention Strategy
Since there's no vaccine for CMV, careful hygiene around young children's saliva and urine during pregnancy is the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection.
- 1Wash your hands thoroughly after nappy changes.This is one of the most effective ways to reduce CMV exposure.
- 2Avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils with young children.CMV can be present in saliva, so avoiding sharing these items reduces risk.
- 3Avoid kissing young children on the mouth during pregnancy.A kiss on the forehead or cheek instead reduces potential exposure.
- 4Wash toys and surfaces regularly.Especially those that come into contact with a young child's saliva or urine.
- 5Mention any flu-like symptoms to your maternity team.This allows them to consider whether CMV testing or additional monitoring is appropriate.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
CMV is common and usually harmless, but simple hygiene precautions during pregnancy can meaningfully reduce the risk of infection affecting the baby.
Careful handwashing and avoiding sharing utensils with young children are the most effective everyday precautions during pregnancy.