Each year, about 1 in every 200 babies is born with a common viral infection known as cytomegalovirus. Also called congenital CMV, this infection can present a range of health complications for babies and can even cause miscarriage. If you’re expecting or have recently given birth, learn more about preventing and treating CMV.
What is Congenital CMV?
Congenital CMV is a member of the herpesvirus family. While generally harmless to people with healthy immune systems, CMV can cause severe disease in babies infected before birth. Only about 1 to 4 percent of women will become infected with CMV during pregnancy, but 40 percent of those women will pass it onto their baby via the placenta.
Complications of CMV
The vast majority of babies born with congenital CMV won’t show symptoms at birth or have long-term health issues. However, others may be born with defects or developmental disabilities.
CMV complications can include:
- Hearing or vision loss
- Microcephaly (small head size)
- Mental disability
- Problems with the liver, spleen, or lungs
- Seizures
- Sensory or behavior issues
- Feeding issues
- Impaired coordination
- Cerebral palsy