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When I found out I was pregnant with my first child, my healthcare provider sat me down to discuss essential aspects of maintaining a healthy pregnancy. She provided me a list of things to avoid—no alcohol, no smoking, no sushi, no excessive caffeine, and no cold cuts. She went over prenatal tests and regular ultrasounds, but there was one critical topic she overlooked: Congenital Cytomegalovirus, or CMV. This virus is the most prevalent viral infection and is the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss in newborns in the United States, according to the National CMV Foundation.
Up until recently, I had never heard of CMV. This isn’t unusual; about 91% of women are unaware of it, even though more than half of all individuals worldwide (both men and women) will have contracted CMV by age 40. The widespread nature of CMV, combined with its relative lack of awareness, led Moderna to organize a webinar focused on increasing knowledge about the virus.
Understanding CMV
CMV is a common virus that can infect individuals of any age and remains in the body for life once contracted. In most cases, it’s harmless. As stated by the National CMV Foundation, healthy individuals who contract CMV often display no symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they are usually mild and resemble cold-like signs. However, for pregnant individuals or those with weakened immune systems, the virus can pose serious risks.
“CMV is prevalent and complex,” states Dr. Emily Johnson, VP of Clinical Development at Moderna.
What is Congenital CMV?
When babies are infected with CMV in the womb, it is referred to as Congenital CMV. This condition is the most common congenital viral infection in the U.S., affecting around 30,000 children each year. While babies born with Congenital CMV may initially seem healthy, approximately 20% will face permanent health issues, amounting to roughly 6,000 children each year, with about 400 infant fatalities annually, as reported by the National CMV Foundation.
The National CMV Foundation highlights various birth defects and developmental challenges associated with Congenital CMV, including:
- Hearing loss (the leading non-genetic cause of hearing impairment)
- Vision impairment
- Intellectual disabilities
- Microcephaly (smaller than average head size)
- Intracranial calcifications
- Coordination issues
- Cerebral Palsy
- Feeding difficulties / Failure to Thrive (FTT)
- Behavioral sleep and sensory problems
- Seizures
- Death (in rare cases)
How Can CMV Be Prevented?
Dr. Alice Harrington, Chief Medical Officer at Moderna, emphasizes that “awareness is the first step toward meaningful change.” Hence, the initial step in preventing CMV is recognizing its existence. In 2020, over 400 million pregnancy-related searches were conducted, yet only three million pertained to CMV. This stark contrast indicates that less than one percent of pregnancy inquiries focused on the virus, which is the leading cause of birth defects in the U.S.
The next crucial step is to educate yourself on how to safeguard against CMV, especially if you are of childbearing age, pregnant, or planning to conceive. The National CMV Foundation serves as an invaluable resource, dedicated to empowering women to manage their health proactively before CMV affects their lives and those of their families.
Additionally, Dr. Sarah Thompson, a physician and mother of a toddler with congenital CMV, advocates for women to inform their healthcare providers about CMV.
Practicing good hygiene is paramount in preventing CMV, especially for those with young children at home or who work in childcare settings. In the U.S., nearly one in three children contract CMV by age five. Washing hands thoroughly after changing diapers, cleaning a child’s face, or handling toys and pacifiers is vital. CMV is not spread through casual contact; instead, it is primarily transmitted through direct and prolonged contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, and breast milk.
Awareness, education, and prevention are essential for the well-being of current and future generations. Dr. Johnson underscores this need by stating, “We owe it to future families to be informed about this issue and the disease it causes.” While CMV is both common and concerning, it is also preventable. Moderna is currently developing an mRNA vaccine aimed at preventing CMV infection, a promising step toward potential eradication. Until such a vaccine is available, staying informed remains crucial. After all, knowledge is power.
For more resources on pregnancy and insemination, check out this informative article from Healthline and discover helpful kits at Make a Mom. If you’re interested in learning more about CMV, visit this related post on home insemination.
Summary
CMV is a widespread virus that poses significant risks for pregnant individuals and their babies, making awareness and prevention crucial. Understanding CMV and its potential effects, particularly Congenital CMV, can empower expecting parents to take proactive measures for their health and that of their child. Good hygiene practices and education about CMV are essential steps in mitigating the risks associated with this virus.
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