To prevent infection with cytomegalovirus, care must be taken to reduce risk factors.
The goal is to prevent transmission (“transmission of the pathogen”) in the first half of pregnancy. It should be noted that the main route of infection is through young children in the family.
Note: If a pregnant woman is IgG and IGM negative, she is susceptible. The most important measure is exposure prophylaxis. IgG and IgM control should be done in the next trimester (third trimester).
Behavioral risk factors
- Close personal contact
- Intimate physical contact – e.g., pregnant women should not kiss infants on the mouth during early pregnancy
- Living in shared facilities – e.g., no sharing of toothbrushes, eating utensils, cutlery and towels.
- Poor personal hygiene
Other risk factors
- Blood transfusions
- Breast milk from a CMV-positive mother
- Organ transplants
Recommendation for exposure prophylaxis against cytomegalovirus in pregnancy
Cytomegalovirus-seronegative pregnant women with contact with children (<3 years of age) will particularly benefit from the following preventive measures against congenital cytomegalovirus infection.
Note
- Consistent personal hygiene such as hand washing with water and normal soap especially after
- Diaper changing
- Wiping away tears, nasal secretions, or saliva
- Touching toys
- Feeding or bathing the child
- Kissing the child on the forehead and cheek, hugs.
Avoid
- Kissing the child on the mouth
- Taking pacifier in the mouth
- To taste from the spoon or bottle of the child
- To eat leftovers of a child’s meal
- Sharing toothbrushes eating utensils and towels
- Touching or cleaning objects or textiles wetted with saliva, tears, or urine without wearing gloves. (The patient should be instructed on how to proceed when removing gloves).
- Unprotected sexual intercourse with a cytomegalovirus-seropositive partner.
