- How to treat to prevent transmission
- How to confirm if you have cytomegalovirus infection
- What to do to prevent infection in pregnancy
If the woman is infected with Cytomegalovirus (CMV) during pregnancy, it is important that treatment is carried out quickly to avoid contamination of the baby through the placenta or during delivery, which can result in changes in the baby's development.
Generally, the pregnant woman comes into contact with the cytomegalovirus before pregnancy and, therefore, has antibodies capable of fighting infection and preventing transmission. However, when the infection occurs shortly before or during the first half of pregnancy, there are chances of transmitting the virus to the baby, which can cause premature birth and even malformations in the fetus, such as microcephaly, deafness, mental retardation or epilepsy.
Cytomegalovirus in pregnancy has no cure, but it is usually possible to start treatment with antivirals to prevent transmission to the baby.
How to treat to prevent transmission
Treatment for Cytomegalovirus in pregnancy should be carried out according to the obstetrician's guidance, with the use of antiviral drugs, such as Acyclovir, for example, or injection of immunoglobulins, which aims to stimulate the immune system and fight infection, avoiding infection. transmission to the baby.
During treatment, the doctor should perform regular checkups to monitor the baby's development and ensure that the virus is not causing changes. Find out more details about the treatment of cytomegalovirus in pregnancy.
How to confirm if you have cytomegalovirus infection
The symptoms of a cytomegalovirus infection are not very specific, including muscle pain, fever above 38ºC or painful waters. In addition, in many cases there are no symptoms whatsoever, as the virus can stay asleep for a long time. For this reason, the best way to confirm the infection is to make a medical diagnosis.
The diagnosis is made with a CMV blood test during pregnancy, the result being:
- Non-reactive or negative IgM and positive or reactive IgG: the woman has had contact with the virus for a long time and the risk of transmission is minimal. Reagent or positive IgM and non-reactive or negative IgG: acute cytomegalovirus infection, it is more worrying, the doctor should guide the treatment. Reagent or positive IgM and IgG: an avidity test should be performed. If the test is less than 30%, there is a greater risk of infection of the baby during pregnancy. Non-reactive or negative IgM and IgG: there was never any contact with the virus and, therefore, preventive measures must be taken to prevent possible infection.
When an infection is suspected in the baby, a sample of amniotic fluid can be taken to assess the presence of the virus. However, according to the Ministry of Health, the examination on the baby should only be done after 5 months of pregnancy and 5 weeks after infection of the pregnant woman.
See also what is IgM and IgG.
What to do to prevent infection in pregnancy
Since there is still no vaccine to help protect against the virus, it is important that pregnant women follow some general recommendations to avoid infection, such as:
- Use a condom in intimate contact; Avoid frequenting public places with many people; Wash your hands immediately after changing a baby's diaper or whenever you come into contact with the child's secretions, such as saliva, for example; Do not kiss very young children on the cheek or mouth; Do not use objects that belong to the child, such as glasses or cutlery.
Children are primarily responsible for the transmission of cytomegalovirus, so these recommendations should be followed by the pregnant woman throughout pregnancy, especially if working with children.
