CMV (Cytomegalovirus) Infection Risk in Pregnancy
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN
Content reviewed against published CDC, ACOG, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection risk in pregnancy, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
CMV is the most common congenital infection, affecting about 1 in 200 babies. Many adults already have CMV antibodies. Primary (first-time) CMV infection during pregnancy carries the highest risk to the baby. Prevention centers on frequent hand washing, especially after contact with young children's saliva, urine, and other body fluids.
Key takeaways
- CMV is the most common congenital infection, affecting about 1 in 200 babies. Many adults already have CMV antibodies. Primary (first-time) CMV infection during pregnancy carries the highest risk to the baby. Prevention centers on frequent hand washing, especially after contact with young children's saliva, urine, and other body fluids.
- Usually normal when: Practicing good hand hygiene with young children
- Call your doctor if: You have been diagnosed with primary CMV infection during pregnancy and need specialist referral
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to CDC, ACOG, NIH guidelines, cMV is the most common congenital infection, affecting about 1 in 200 babies. Many adults already have CMV antibodies. Primary (first-time) CMV infection during pregnancy carries the highest risk to the baby. Prevention centers on frequent hand washing, especially after contact with young children's saliva, urine, and other body fluids. At First trimester, cMV infection in the first trimester carries the highest risk of serious effects on the baby. If you work with young children or have a toddler, practice excellent hand hygiene: wash hands after changing diapers, wiping noses, or handling toys that have been mouthed. Do not share utensils, cups, or food with young children. Do not kiss young children on the mouth. It is generally considered normal when practicing good hand hygiene with young children. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if you have been diagnosed with primary CMV infection during pregnancy and need specialist referral.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
First trimester
CMV infection in the first trimester carries the highest risk of serious effects on the baby. If you work with young children or have a toddler, practice excellent hand hygiene: wash hands after changing diapers, wiping noses, or handling toys that have been mouthed. Do not share utensils, cups, or food with young children. Do not kiss young children on the mouth.
Second trimester
Continue preventive measures throughout pregnancy. CMV transmission can occur at any stage. If you develop a mono-like illness (prolonged fever, fatigue, swollen glands), tell your provider. CMV testing can determine if you have a recent infection. Most babies exposed to CMV in utero are born healthy.
Third trimester
CMV infection later in pregnancy has a higher transmission rate but typically less severe effects on the baby. If diagnosed with CMV during pregnancy, your provider will discuss monitoring options including detailed ultrasound and, in some cases, amniocentesis. New antiviral treatments are being studied.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection risk in pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you work in a daycare or frequently care for young children.
- Mention if you developed prolonged flu-like symptoms during pregnancy.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Practicing good hand hygiene with young children
- Having positive CMV antibodies from a past infection (indicating immunity)
- You work in a daycare or frequently care for young children
- You developed prolonged flu-like symptoms during pregnancy
- You want to be tested for CMV immunity
- You have been diagnosed with primary CMV infection during pregnancy and need specialist referral
- Ultrasound shows findings concerning for congenital CMV
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection risk in pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that practicing good hand hygiene with young children — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At First trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if you have been diagnosed with primary CMV infection during pregnancy and need specialist referral.
Related Conditions
Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease) in Pregnancy
Fifth disease (caused by Parvovirus B19) is usually mild in adults but can pose risks during pregnancy, including fetal anemia and hydrops fetalis in rare cases. About 50-60% of adults are already immune from childhood exposure. If you are exposed during pregnancy, blood testing can determine your immunity status and guide monitoring.
Varicella (Chicken Pox) Exposure While Pregnant
Varicella (chickenpox) during pregnancy can cause complications for both parent and baby, including varicella pneumonia in the parent and congenital varicella syndrome in the baby (rare, mostly with first/second trimester infection). Most adults are immune through vaccination or previous infection. If you are exposed and unsure of your immunity, contact your provider immediately for testing.
Related Resources
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection risk in pregnancy normal?
When should I call the doctor about cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection risk in pregnancy?
When is cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection risk in pregnancy normal?
What causes cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection risk in pregnancy?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection risk in pregnancy?
Is cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection risk in pregnancy normal at First trimester?
Is cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection risk in pregnancy normal at Second trimester?
Should I go to the ER for cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection risk in pregnancy?
Does cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection risk in pregnancy go away on its own?
References
- [1]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cytomegalovirus and Pregnancy. CDC, 2023. CDC
- [2]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Cytomegalovirus, Parvovirus B19, Varicella Zoster, and Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 151, 2015. ACOG
- [3]National Library of Medicine. Congenital CMV Infection. StatPearls, 2023. NIH
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss CMV (Cytomegalovirus) Infection Risk in Pregnancy.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection risk in pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you work in a daycare or frequently care for young children.
- Mention if you developed prolonged flu-like symptoms during pregnancy.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You work in a daycare or frequently care for young children
- You developed prolonged flu-like symptoms during pregnancy
- You want to be tested for CMV immunity
Urgent signs to report immediately
- You have been diagnosed with primary CMV infection during pregnancy and need specialist referral
- Ultrasound shows findings concerning for congenital CMV
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of cmv (cytomegalovirus) infection risk in pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if you have been diagnosed with primary cmv infection during pregnancy and need specialist referral.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Maternal Concerns
Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease) in Pregnancy
Fifth disease (caused by Parvovirus B19) is usually mild in adults but can pose risks during pregnancy, including fetal anemia and hydrops fetalis in rare cases. About 50-60% of adults are already immune from childhood exposure. If you are exposed during pregnancy, blood testing can determine your immunity status and guide monitoring.
Varicella (Chicken Pox) Exposure While Pregnant
Varicella (chickenpox) during pregnancy can cause complications for both parent and baby, including varicella pneumonia in the parent and congenital varicella syndrome in the baby (rare, mostly with first/second trimester infection). Most adults are immune through vaccination or previous infection. If you are exposed and unsure of your immunity, contact your provider immediately for testing.
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Pregnancy Over 35 (Advanced Maternal Age)
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Amniocentesis Questions and Fears
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test performed between 15-20 weeks that analyzes amniotic fluid to detect chromosomal conditions and genetic disorders with over 99% accuracy. The risk of pregnancy loss from the procedure is approximately 1 in 500-1,000 when performed by an experienced provider. Understanding the actual risks can help you make an informed decision.
20-Week Anatomy Scan Unexpected Findings
The 20-week anatomy scan checks your baby's major organs, structures, and growth. Most scans are completely normal. When unexpected findings are identified, they range from minor variants that resolve on their own to conditions that need further evaluation. Many findings require nothing more than a follow-up ultrasound to confirm the baby is developing well.