{
  "id": 9409988,
  "title": "CMV infection can pass from mother to baby during pregnancy. Here’s how to prevent it",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/cmv-infection-can-pass-from-mother-to-baby-during-pregnancy-heres-how",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T20:11:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation AU",
    "slug": "the-conversation-au",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/cmv-infection-can-pass-from-mother-to-baby-during-pregnancy-heres-how-to-prevent-it-285595"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a virus that can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy, causing preventable childhood disabilities. Pregnant women are advised to avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils with young children and to wash their hands after changing diapers or wiping noses to prevent CMV infection. CMV spreads through direct contact with body fluids, particularly saliva, nasal mucus, and urine of young children. Pregnant women can acquire CMV from these sources, leading to a mild flu-like illness or no symptoms. When a pregnant woman contracts CMV, the virus can cross the placenta and infect the developing fetus, resulting in congenital CMV infection in about one in 200 babies. While most babies remain well, the virus can cause microcephaly, hearing loss, developmental delays, and cerebral palsy. Early testing and targeted education for CMV-negative women can significantly reduce infection rates. Pregnant women with a primary CMV infection in early pregnancy can receive antiviral treatment, such as valaciclovir, to reduce the risk of fetal infection. In Australia, targeted early CMV testing is recommended for pregnant women at increased risk of exposure, such as those working with young children. However, universal screening is not yet recommended due to the need for further research on the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of the approach. Pregnant women should receive information on simple hygiene precautions to reduce their risk of CMV infection.",
  "summary": "Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, can pass from mother to baby in pregnancy and cause hearing loss, cerebral palsy or other lifelong disabilities. But it can be prevented.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}