what is the best at-home insemination kit?
When I first learned I was expecting, my healthcare provider took the time to explain everything I needed to ensure a healthy pregnancy. The list of things to avoid was extensive: no alcohol, no smoking, no sushi, limited caffeine, and no cold cuts. She discussed the various prenatal screenings and the importance of regular ultrasounds. However, one crucial topic was overlooked—Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV). According to the National CMV Foundation, CMV is “the most common viral infection and the primary non-genetic cause of hearing loss in infants born in the United States.”
Until recently, I had little awareness of CMV, which is not surprising given that 91 percent of women remain uninformed about it, even though over half of the global population gets infected by the time they reach 40. The combination of its widespread nature and lack of awareness prompted Moderna to organize a webinar focusing on CMV education.
What is CMV?
CMV is a common virus that affects individuals of any age, remaining dormant in the body for life once contracted. For most healthy individuals, it poses minimal risk and often goes unnoticed. If symptoms do manifest, they typically resemble those of a mild cold. However, for pregnant individuals or those with weakened immune systems, the implications can be severe.
Dr. Jessica Lane, a leading expert in infectious diseases at Moderna, summarizes it well: “CMV is both prevalent and complex.”
Understanding Congenital CMV
Congenital CMV refers to the virus transmitted to a baby during pregnancy, making it the most prevalent congenital viral infection in the U.S., affecting around 30,000 children each year. Although affected babies may seem healthy at birth, about 20 percent will develop serious health issues—roughly 6,000 children annually, with around 400 infant deaths reported each year, as noted by the National CMV Foundation.
The National CMV Foundation outlines several potential birth defects and developmental challenges associated with congenital CMV, which may include:
- Hearing loss (the leading non-genetic cause)
- Vision impairment
- Intellectual disabilities
- Microcephaly (abnormally small head)
- Intracranial calcifications
- Coordination problems
- Cerebral palsy
- Feeding difficulties and failure to thrive
- Behavioral and sleep issues
- Seizures
- Rarely, death
Preventing CMV Infections
Corinne Lane, Chief Health Officer at Moderna, emphasizes that “awareness is the first step toward meaningful change,” highlighting the necessity of knowing about CMV. In 2020, there were over 400 million pregnancy-related searches, yet only three million mentioned CMV—less than one percent of all pregnancy inquiries.
The subsequent step involves educating yourself about CMV, particularly if you’re of childbearing age, currently pregnant, or planning to conceive. The National CMV Foundation is a valuable resource dedicated to empowering women to safeguard their health and that of their families.
Dr. Sarah Kim, MD, a prominent figure in the National CMV Foundation and a mother to a toddler affected by congenital CMV, encourages women to inform their healthcare providers about CMV.
The third preventative measure is maintaining good hygiene, especially for women with toddlers or those who work in childcare settings. In the U.S., nearly one in three children are infected with CMV by age five. Proper hand hygiene is crucial, particularly after changing diapers, wiping a child’s face, or handling toys. CMV spreads primarily through direct contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, and breast milk.
Awareness, education, and proactive measures are vital for current and future generations. Dr. Lane stressed the importance of vigilance, stating, “We owe it to future families to stay informed about this issue and disease.”
While CMV can be alarming, it is also preventable. Moderna is actively developing an mRNA vaccine against CMV. Until such a vaccine becomes available, staying informed is essential. After all, knowledge is power.
For further insights, check out this related blog post here and visit Make a Mom for authoritative information on home insemination kits. You can also explore this NHS resource for comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) poses significant risks for pregnant individuals, yet many remain unaware of its implications. Understanding the virus, its potential effects, and preventative measures is crucial for safeguarding the health of future families. Education and hygiene are key components in reducing the risk of CMV infection.
Leave a Reply