Cytomegalovirus and pregnancy: Is this combination dangerous?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is very common among the population. He practically does not manifest, so most people do not even guess that he is present in their bodies.

CMV refers to herpesviruses and is included in the group of TORCH infections. It also includes rubella and toxoplasmosis. These diseases are characterized by the fact that they can damage the health of the fetus up to its death.

Most people become infected with CMV in their infancy. The disease manifests itself as headache, fatigue, malaise, become painful and salivary glands increase , a raid appears on the palate and in the nasopharynx. As a rule, it is taken for regular flu. After this, CMV will be present throughout the life in the body, sometimes exacerbated by a decrease in immunity. In women, it can cause cervicitis, inflammation of the tubes and ovaries, erosion of the cervix. Diseases proceed chronically without special manifestations, only occasionally they are disturbed by pain.

However, the real danger is a cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy, as the immunity decreases. Therefore, the probability of infection is high when in contact with the person in whom it is in the active state. In addition, there may be an exacerbation of long-standing CMV. In these two cases, it appears in all the physiological fluids of the body: saliva, blood, urine, secretions.

In this situation, cytomegalovirus infection in pregnant women can lead to infection of the fetus. Moreover, than at an earlier date this happens, the harder the consequences can arise.

The probability of transferring CMV to the fetus depends, first of all, on its concentration in the mother's blood. Therefore, it is safer to combine cytomegalovirus and pregnancy if infection of a woman occurred long before conception. Then in her blood there are antibodies to it. If, however, during pregnancy, the primary infection of the mother of CMV occurred, the probability of transmission to the fetus is very high.

Infection of the baby can occur as follows:

• Through the placenta;

• During conception by the virus from sperm;

• Through amniotic fluid, getting there from the cervical canal and the uterine mucosa.

If cytomegalovirus and pregnancy are combined, the consequences can be:

• Spontaneous abortion, fetal death (mainly with early infection and severe disease);

• Developmental defects manifested immediately after birth;

• In a few years, there may be hearing defects, developmental delay, speech and movement disorders , problems with the nervous system.

To avoid trouble and combine cytomegalovirus and pregnancy without consequences, it is necessary to prepare for the conception of the child. Pass the recommended tests, consult with specialists and, if necessary, be treated. It is necessary to strengthen immunity, walk in the fresh air for about an hour daily, eat right, do not get nervous, get enough sleep.

Among the tests recommended for delivery before pregnancy, there is also a CMV. And it should be done by both parents. It is necessary to determine the presence of antibodies in the blood, as well as the virus itself. Ideally, check whether his DNA is in saliva, urine, semen. Any modern laboratory performs similar tests. They also need to give a woman during pregnancy every trimester.

In the analysis, the number of two types of antibodies is determined. Elevated levels of IgG indicate a chronic course, that is, long-term infection, and IgM - about primary infection in the absence of the first, or exacerbation of existing in the body of digital computers, if available.

Thus, cytomegalovirus and pregnancy can safely be combined with competent preparation for it. It is also necessary to regularly take tests when carrying a baby and strengthen immunity. However, with primary infection and exacerbation of CMV, fetal infection and very serious consequences, including death, are possible.