Cytomegalovirus is the most common infection during pregnancy.
Many women in Germany have been exposed to the virus before pregnancy and are therefore largely protected. However, for 40% of women who contract the virus for the first time during pregnancy, the foetus will also be affected. This can sometimes lead to serious defects such as delayed mental and physical development, hearing loss and damage to the eyes. This transmissible disease can also have delayed effects – about 10% of children who have been infected show symptoms, typically neurological in nature.
The cytomegalovirus (CMV) is transmitted through smear infection, i.e. through direct contact with infected body fluids such as saliva, urine, tears and genital secretions. The symptoms of CMV infection in a pregnant woman are often mild and flu-like. Infection is diagnosed through a blood test that checks for the presence of antibodies.
Your gynecological practice for cytomegalovirus during pregnancy
Ideally a CMV antibody test should be carried out as soon as a woman finds out she is pregnant. If there is no immunity to CMV, the following measures should be taken:
- Hygiene measures: wash hands with soap after contact with any bodily excretions, especially those of infants (e.g. feeding, changing nappies, toys wet with saliva, etc.)
- Antibody testing as part of prenatal care
- In the case of an acute infection, immunoglobulin therapy if required
