How to Avoid Cytomegalovirus While Pregnant
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a rather common form of a herpes virus that strikes most people during childhood. While this virus doesn't typically cause symptoms that are life threatening, it can threaten an unborn fetus. Therefore, pregnant women, especially those who've never had a CMV infection, need to avoid infection. Here's a few steps to help you avoid infection.
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Instructions
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Remember that various bodily fluids may transmit CMV, including saliva, urine, blood, tears, vaginal fluids, semen, stool and breast milk.
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Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly after coming into contact with any bodily fluids. Vigorously rub your hands together, using soap and water, for 15 to 20 seconds.
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Use your own eating utensils and drinking cups while pregnant. Sharing eating utensils, especially with young children, increases the risk of transmitting CMV through saliva.
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Wear rubber gloves when changing diapers. Ask someone else to change diapers of CMV-infected babies and toddlers.
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Kiss children on the head to avoid contact with tears or saliva. Kisses on the cheek put you at greater risk for coming into contact with tears or saliva.
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Exercise caution when engaging in intimate sexual relations with a partner who is CMV-positive. CMV infection is transmitted sexually.
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Consult with your doctor about doing CMV screening of blood or organs if you're in need of a blood transfusion or organ transplant.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask your doctor to give you a CMV antibody test to determine if you've ever had a CMV infection.
Use extra caution if you work in a day care center or health facility.
