Table of Contents
The viral strain of the cytomegalovirus it belongs to the herpes virus family and is transmitted through infected biological fluids, such as urine, saliva, vaginal secretions, seminal fluid, blood, milk, tears. It is a virus that it spreads very quickly, although it often gives no sign of infection. And that this is very widespread, the data say. On average, 8-9 out of 10 people contract it over a lifetime.
What happens in pregnancy
This virus, being very widespread, can also pass from mother to fetus. If in the healthy adult the infection often occurs asymptomatically, the situation becomes more worrying in immunocompromised people. Of course, pregnant women are not part of this population.
But coming to expectation, the likelihood of a receptive woman contracting the virus for the first time during pregnancy is very low. Given that this type of infection in pregnancy is extremely limited, but that even we do not have a safe antiviral therapy to use during gestation, women can undergo follow-up tests that the gynecologist can prescribe if necessary.
The exams to do
In general terms, it is essential to adhere to common procedures to prevent infection. The first rule is to wash your hands regularly. It should be noted that with regard to health hazards, the pregnant woman does not risk anything. But there could be problems for the fetus if you get the infection for the first time in pregnancy. This is why it is important to subject the unborn child to ultrasound surveillance, always following the advice of the gynecologist, which is not dangerous for the child but which is used to evaluate growth and look for any indirect signs of viral infection. Then there are other more specific tests in case of cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy that the specialist will be able to indicate on a case-by-case basis.
To follow the daily Health Pill “Cytomegalovirus in pregnancy”, click and listen here
“Daily Health Pills” is the podcast series by DiLei TakeCare, curated by Federico Mereta. In each episode we talk about prevention, care and good habits.
Read also
