Treatment for cytomegalovirus in pregnancy must be carried out under the guidance of the obstetrician, and the use of antiviral medications or immunoglobulin injections is normally indicated. However, there is still no consensus on the treatment for cytomegalovirus in pregnancy, which is why it is important to follow the instructions of the obstetrician who monitors the pregnancy.
Symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, inflammation and pain in the armpits are generally not present, so it is important that pregnant women undergo a blood test, which is included in routine prenatal examinations, to assess whether or not they are infected.
Cytomegalovirus during pregnancy can be transmitted to the baby through the placenta and at the time of birth, especially if the pregnant woman was infected for the first time during pregnancy, which can cause problems such as premature birth, deafness, fetal malformations or mental retardation. In this case, the obstetrician may recommend that the pregnant woman undergo an ultrasound and amniocentesis to see if the baby is infected. See how cytomegalovirus affects pregnancy and the baby.
During prenatal care, it is possible to detect whether the infected baby already has a problem within the mother’s womb, such as an increase in the size of the liver and spleen, microcephaly, changes in the nervous system or brain problems.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for cytomegalovirus in pregnancy aims to alleviate symptoms and reduce the load of the virus in the pregnant woman’s bloodstream, and the use of antiviral medications, such as Acyclovir or Valacyclovir, or immunoglobulin injections is normally recommended. By carrying out the treatment recommended by the obstetrician, it is also possible to avoid contamination of the baby.
Furthermore, even if treatment has already been established, the woman must be monitored by an obstetrician regularly to check her health and that of the baby.
It is important that cytomegalovirus infection is identified as quickly as possible, otherwise it could result in premature birth or lead to malformations in the baby, such as deafness, mental retardation or epilepsy. Learn more about cytomegalovirus.
How to avoid infection during pregnancy
Cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy can be prevented through some actions such as:
- Use a condom during sexual intercourse;
- Avoid oral sex;
- Avoid sharing objects with other children;
- Avoid kissing young children on the mouth or cheek;
- Always keep your hands clean, especially after changing a baby’s diaper.
This way, it is possible to avoid infection with this virus. Normally, women come into contact with the virus before pregnancy, but the immune system responds positively, that is, it stimulates the production of antibodies, combats infection by this virus and allows the woman to become immunized. Understand how the immune system works.
