How can I reduce my risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) during pregnancy?

Why does CMV matter in pregnancy?

CMV is a common virus. Many people never notice an infection, but it can pass to a developing baby during pregnancy. This is called congenital CMV. Some affected children develop health problems, including hearing loss; infection does not mean every baby will be affected in the same way. CDC overview.

The practical focus is reducing contact with body fluids, especially saliva and urine from young children. A child does not need to look unwell to pass on CMV.

Make a few changes to everyday routines

You can keep caring for children while changing how you handle saliva and urine:

• Wash hands with soap and running water after changing nappies, helping with toileting, wiping noses or handling saliva-covered items. Dry them thoroughly.
• Keep your cup, cutlery and toothbrush separate from a young child’s. Avoid sharing food or finishing their leftovers with their spoon.
• Kiss children on the cheek or forehead instead of the lips.
• Avoid putting a child’s dummy in your own mouth.
• Clean toys and surfaces that have saliva or urine on them with detergent and water.

These precautions follow NSW Health and RANZCOG guidance. Ordinary holding and cuddling do not themselves increase the risk, according to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network.

Make the routine shared work. Keep a separate adult spoon nearby at meals and ask other carers to help with handwashing and cleaning. If you work with young children, discuss how these habits fit your working day with your maternity team and workplace.

Should I ask about a CMV blood test?

Discuss testing before or early in pregnancy, especially with frequent or prolonged contact with young children. A CMV IgG blood test looks for evidence that you have had CMV before. RANZCOG recommends offering it to people with increased exposure, including parents of young children and early-childhood workers. It may also be offered to all pregnant people early in pregnancy with counselling, result interpretation, follow-up and specialist pathways. It does not show whether a baby is infected or replace prevention. RANZCOG’s 2026 guidance.

When should I contact my care team?

If you have fever or chills during pregnancy, contact your doctor, midwife or maternity hospital immediately. Seek immediate maternity advice for bleeding, severe abdominal pain or reduced baby movements too. These are general pregnancy warning signs, rather than signs that identify CMV. Call 000 for collapse or severe breathing difficulty.

For a prevention or testing conversation, start with your GP or maternity team. You can say: “I care for young children—could we talk about CMV and what testing would mean for me?”

For a leaflet to use or share with other carers, visit the Cerebral Palsy Alliance CMV resource hub.