Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that many Australians encounter during their lives, often with no symptoms. However, during pregnancy, CMV can pose significant risks to an unborn baby, potentially leading to lifelong complications including cerebral palsy.
New international guidelines on management and testing of CMV in pregnant women, have recently been published in the Lancet Journal. This means that, whilst the guidelines haven’t been fully adopted in Australia yet, increasingly obstetricians are adopting a practice of screening for CMV in early pregnancy.
Despite the risks of a CMV infection to an unborn baby, according to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, only 1 in 6 pregnant women have heard about CMV. This demonstrates that the majority of treatment providers are not speaking about it to their patients, let alone screening for it.
At The Law Office of Conrad Curry, we’re here to support families affected by medical negligence involving CMV.
What is CMV?
CMV is part of the herpes virus family (the virus that causes chicken pox and cold sores). Whilst usually harmless, if the virus is contracted by a pregnant woman it may be transmitted to the baby and can cause serious complications, particularly if the virus is contracted in early pregnancy. This is part of the reason why the new international guidelines recommend the performance of CMV screening in the first trimester of pregnancy.
CMV is the most common infectious cause of disabilities in newborn babies and complications can include hearing loss, developmental delays, epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy and in severe cases, stillbirth, infant death or a condition of cytomegalic inclusion disease (CID).
Symptoms and how CMV spreads
CMV often has no symptoms, but in some cases, it may resemble glandular fever with fatigue, sore throat, swollen glands, and fever. The virus spreads through bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, breast milk, and semen.
The most common source of infection is via young children and therefore, pregnant women caring for young children (particularly those working in childcare) are at a higher risk of contracting a CMV infection.
Pregnant women are at risk of infection through:
- Close contact with saliva or nasal mucous from young children.
- Handling toys, tissues, or nappies contaminated with bodily fluids.
- Sharing food, drinks, or utensils.
- Sexual contact.
Preventing CMV during pregnancy
While there is no vaccine for CMV, simple hygiene practices can help reduce the risk:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after changing nappies, feeding young children, or handling toys.
- Avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils with young children.
- Disinfect surfaces and toys that come into contact with saliva or urine.
- Avoid kissing young children on the mouth during pregnancy.
Pregnant women working in childcare settings should be particularly vigilant about hygiene practices.
Screening / treatment for CMV in pregnancy
As noted above, increasingly obstetricians are recommending CMV screening prior to conception or in early pregnancy. If a woman has had a CMV infection in the past and is immune, then there is generally no need for further screening as the woman has antibodies to protect the baby and the risk of transmission is low.
However, if a woman has not had an infection in the past, it is important to monitor whether an infection is acquired in early pregnancy by repeat screening every 4 weeks to see if antibodies are developed.
In recent years, there has been studies which have shown that treatment of a CMV infection with antiviral medication can reduce the chances of the baby acquiring CMV and/or suffering adverse effects of the CMV infection. Therefore, if a CMV infection is diagnosed in early pregnancy, it is important that the recommended treatment is administered.
If a baby is born to a mother with primary CMV infection during pregnancy, the child should be tested for CMV. Regular hearing and vision assessments are essential, as some symptoms can develop over time.
When medical negligence can occur
As the practice of screening for CMV and treating infections in early pregnancy is increasingly adopted in Australia, we will likely see more medical negligence cases arise against health care providers who fail to:
- Educate pregnant women about CMV risks and preventive measures;
- Screen for CMV as part of conception planning and antenatal care;
- Conduct repeat CMV screening for pregnant women up to around 14-16 weeks in circumstances where they have not previously had a CMV infection;
- Identify high-risk situations where testing or monitoring is warranted;
- Diagnose and manage a primary CMV infection properly, including providing antiviral treatment.
When these failures result in harm to the baby or mother, families may have grounds to seek compensation.
How The Law Office of Conrad Curry Can Help
Our team specialises in medical negligence cases, including pregnancy-related complications like CMV. We will:
- Investigate whether your healthcare provider met the expected standard of care.
- Gather evidence to demonstrate how negligence caused harm.
- Pursue compensation to support your family’s emotional and financial needs.
We are here to provide expert legal support, helping you hold healthcare providers accountable and secure the justice you deserve.
DISCLAIMER
This article reflects the current law at the time of publication. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The actual decisions in each case are summarised for general understanding. For specific legal guidance in relation to your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional.
