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Peninsula Kids
Home»Health»CMV – the silent virus that all pregnant women should know about
Health

CMV – the silent virus that all pregnant women should know about

Updated:July 29, 20214 Mins Read
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THE MAJORITY OF PREGNANT WOMEN HAVE NOT HEARD OF A VIRUS THAT IS NOW THE LEADING NON-GENETIC CAUSE OF DISABILITY IN NEWBORNS, ACCORDING TO A NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES.

By: JO FORD

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in healthy people causes a mild, flu-like illness that can last for a few days or weeks.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in healthy people causes a mild, flu-like illness that can last for a few days or weeks.

Kate Daly, a mother of four children including a set of twins born with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) in 2010, wants to help educate pregnant women and physicians about the dangers of CMV and how they can minimise their exposure to it during pregnancy to keep both mother and baby healthy.

“My son William was diagnosed at 3 weeks of age with permanent hearing loss caused by CMV.  I was shocked to find out that there was something I could have done to try and prevent it and I hadn’t been told,” says Daly. “I would like to see pregnant women be informed of CMV and advised to practise basic hygiene if it can help keep babies alive and healthy.”  William’s twin Emmaline has been extremely fortunate, with the virus only seeming to cause her a mild developmental delay.

Kate started the CMV Association of Australia when she realised there was little support for families in the same position. “I felt incredibly alone at the beginning, it was very scary and I wished at that time I had someone to talk to, someone that knew what I was going through.”

What is it?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in healthy people causes a mild, flu-like illness that can last for a few days or weeks. Some people might not even know that they have it. In susceptible people, such as those with suppressed immunity or for unborn babies of pregnant mothers, CMV can be more dangerous, even life-threatening. Many adults have already been exposed to it in their childhood but a few percent of women will have their first infection in their pregnancy.

How can it be spread?

Through coughing, contact with blood, urine or faeces or via the mucous membranes such as the mouth and genitals. Because the first infection often happens during early childhood, childcare workers are at greater risk. Like HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) which causes cold sores; once a person has contracted CMV they will carry it for life. The infection lies dormant inside the body and can erupt without warning, although again, this does not usually cause symptoms and it rarely causes problems in pregnancies.

How can CMV affect an unborn baby?

Around 1 in 3 women who catch CMV for the first time in pregnancy will pass it on to their baby. When this happens, the condition is known as congenital CMV. About 1 in 5 of these babies have lasting problems such as deafness, poor eyesight, intellectual difficulties, an enlarged liver or spleen and a small head.

Can CMV be prevented?

To reduce transmission, pregnant women should regularly wash or disinfect their hands, particularly after direct or indirect contact with any child’s bodily fluids. This includes after changing nappies, meal times, wiping noses and handling toys that have been in mouths. Also avoid sharing food, drinks or utensils with young children whilst pregnant (www.cdc.gov)

There is currently no cure for CMV, although some centres are looking at treatments that may reduce the risk if pregnant women are infected. There is ongoing work trying to develop a vaccine.

Do the blood screening tests check for CMV?

CMV serology (immunity) tests can be performed but as there is no widely accepted treatment that alters outcomes it is not considered a routine pregnancy test and is therefore not recommended by the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians or Gynaecologists. All pregnant women should be advised about the prevention strategies listed above. CMV testing may be performed under certain circumstances in pregnancy, however. These include women at higher risk, those with symptoms of a viral infection, concerns about the growth or fluid volumes around the baby, or certain features seen on ultrasound.

www.cmv.org.au


Jo Ford divides her time between running Bodybump (pregnancy and post-natal aqua and fitness classes), teaching at Toorak College and bringing up two gorgeous girls, Lily and Rose. In her (limited) spare time, you’ll find her at the gym, practising what she preaches. www.bodybump.com.au

As published in Peninsula Kids Magazine – Autumn 2016

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Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

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Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
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Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays 
 
Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday.

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Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday. https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school- holidays-parc-county-fair/ @parcfrankston
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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Older Reader Pack Selection of books suitable for older readers, 8+ years/teens/adults valued at $225. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Younger Reader Pack Selection of books suitable for younger readers preschool age plus valued at $260. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

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Hasbro is excited to introduce Nano-Mals, their brand-new line of interactive, pocket-sized electronic pets that are here to win hearts… literally! The handheld Nano-Mals team the appeal of digital pets with the fun play of fidget toys, creating a sensory experience specifically designed for today’s kids.

Measuring just 6.9 cm, Nano-Mals are perfectly pocket-sized with an oversized personality.

Nano-Mals are the ultimate gift for kids who love fidget toys, animals, and interactive digital fun. With unlimited ways to care, style, and connect, this new range is set to be the must-have mini pet of the year.

These collectibles are available now in major retailers including Big W, Target, and independent toy stores.

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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Nano-Mals Hasbro is excited to introduce Nano-Mals, their brand-new line of interactive, pocket-sized electronic pets that are here to win hearts… literally! The handheld Nano-Mals team the appeal of digital pets with the fun play of fidget toys, creating a sensory experience specifically designed for today’s kids. Measuring just 6.9 cm, Nano-Mals are perfectly pocket-sized with an oversized personality. Nano-Mals are the ultimate gift for kids who love fidget toys, animals, and interactive digital fun. With unlimited ways to care, style, and connect, this new range is set to be the must-have mini pet of the year. These collectibles are available now in major retailers including Big W, Target, and independent toy stores. RRP: $25.00 each **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE: https://peninsulakids.com.au/spring-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

LEGO Star Wars™ Chopper (C1-10P) Astromech Droid
Suitable for 10+ – Create a playful display featuring a lovable astromech droid Chopper (C1-10P) with this LEGO® Star Wars™ buildable model kit with a buildable figure of Chopper, as seen in Star Wars: Ahsoka™.

Move the lever on his back to remotely activate his iconic head movements, pose his arms and legs, fold out a tool from his chest, and more. Choppers arms and his center wheel are detachable so he can be displayed as if his arms and wheel have been retracted into his body. Suitable for 10+.

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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? LEGO Star Wars™ Chopper (C1-10P) Astromech Droid Suitable for 10+ – Create a playful display featuring a lovable astromech droid Chopper (C1-10P) with this LEGO® Star Wars™ buildable model kit with a buildable figure of Chopper, as seen in Star Wars: Ahsoka™. Move the lever on his back to remotely activate his iconic head movements, pose his arms and legs, fold out a tool from his chest, and more. Choppers arms and his center wheel are detachable so he can be displayed as if his arms and wheel have been retracted into his body. Suitable for 10+. RRP: $179.99 https://www.lego.com/en-au **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE VIA LINK IN BIO
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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Little Jellies Swimwear Assorted – Size 4
Bright. Bold. Bursting with personality. Little Jellies is the new Australian swimwear label on a mission to make water play safer and more joyful for little ones and a little less stressful for parents. The brand is redefining safety-focused swimwear for safe, active summers.

Little Jellies caters to children aged 6 months to 6 years. The collection includes baby swimwear, rashies, sun tops, surf suits, mix-and-match separates, and bucket hats—each made with a snug-but-stretchy fit, UPF50+ sun protection, and quick-dry technology.

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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Little Jellies Swimwear Assorted – Size 4 Bright. Bold. Bursting with personality. Little Jellies is the new Australian swimwear label on a mission to make water play safer and more joyful for little ones and a little less stressful for parents. The brand is redefining safety-focused swimwear for safe, active summers. Little Jellies caters to children aged 6 months to 6 years. The collection includes baby swimwear, rashies, sun tops, surf suits, mix-and-match separates, and bucket hats—each made with a snug-but-stretchy fit, UPF50+ sun protection, and quick-dry technology. https://www.littlejellies.com.au/ @little.jellies.swim We have a Long sleeve rash shirt in pink, briefs in purple, and yellow surfsuit all size 4 to give away valued at $139.85 **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE VIA LINK IN BIO
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Get your skates on (or hire some of theirs) and get down to Sk8house in Carrum Downs for good old-fashioned family fun this school holidays. 

They’re OPEN EVERY DAY with General Sessions, Skate Classes and Birthday Parties, plus by popular demand, they’re also running Sensory Sessions every Friday morning! 

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Get your skates on (or hire some of theirs) and get down to Sk8house in Carrum Downs for good old-fashioned family fun this school holidays. They’re OPEN EVERY DAY with General Sessions, Skate Classes and Birthday Parties, plus by popular demand, they’re also running Sensory Sessions every Friday morning! Find out more: https://www.sk8house.com.au/ @sk8houseau
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