Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can be transmitted from an infected person to a developing baby during pregnancy. The risk of congenital CMV infection associated with primary maternal infection during pregnancy has been estimated to be between 30 and 40% 4 7 . However, primary CMV infection during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with more severe symptoms of congenital infection and worse neurological outcomes, compared to primary maternal CMV infection later in pregnancy 7 8 9 . Transmission CMV spreads in several ways, including passing it to your baby during pregnancy, labor, birth, or nursing, and touching your eyes or the inside of your mouth or nose after direct contact with an infected person's body fluids, including saliva, urine, blood, tears, semen, and human milk 1 2 . Risk Factors The following groups of women are at higher risk of contracting CMV during pregnancy: Women who have young children or work in childcare centers 8 . W...
Strategic analysis on geopolitics, financial systems, and Pakistani affairs, blended with personal stories and commentary from Karachi. Written by Munaeem Jamal.