Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral infection affecting infants, and early awareness in pregancy and in the newborn period can make a critical difference.

Obstetric Providers

This section provides obstetric providers with up-to-date guidelines, practical strategies for counseling pregnant patients, and resources to help prevent CMV transmission during pregnancy. Our goal is to support providers in protecting maternal and infant health through education, screening, and evidence-based care.

Prenatal Education

Educating pregnant individuals about CMV—how it spreads and simple prevention precautions during pregnancy—like hand hygiene and avoiding contact with saliva—can reduce risk. This section provides evidence-based resources to help healthcare providers counsel patients effectively and empower families to protect their babies.

Top Patient Resources on Prenatal Education

National CMV Foundation Awareness, Fliers, postcards and booklets
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CMV Facts for Pregnant Women and Parents
Minnesota Congenital CMV Awareness in Pregnancy Flier

Provider Resources on Prenatal Education

Development and Assessment of a Prenatal Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Educational Survey: Implementation and Impact in a Metropolitan University-Based Clinic
ACOG - Cytomegalovirus in Pregnancy
Colorado AAP - Learning about CMV Transmission and Congenital CMV
Congenital CMV: Causes, Symptoms and Impact video
A 2-Min Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Video Improves Pregnant Women's Knowledge and Planned Adherence to Hygiene Precautions
ACOG Compassional Conversations - Congenital CMV

Testing for CMV in Pregnancy

Journal of Clinical Microbiology - Testing for CMV in Pregnancy -
National CMV Foundation - CMV Transmission in Prengnancy

Treatment of congenital CMV during pregnancy

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — “Clinical Overview of CMV and Congenital CMV”
“Diagnosis and Management of Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) Infection: Update on Diagnosis & Treatment” (narrative review)
“Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection” (Japan, 2023)
International Consensus Group: Congenital cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy and the neonate: consensus recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and therapy (Rawlinson et al., 2017)
European Consensus: Consensus recommendation for prenatal, neonatal and postnatal management of congenital cytomegalovirus infection from the European congenital infection initiative (ECCI) (Europe, 2024)
Canadian Paediatric Society – Practice point: “Update on congenital cytomegalovirus infection: Prenatal prevention, newborn diagnosis, and management

PEDIATRIC PROVIDERS

“Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection” (Japan, 2023)
International Consensus Group: Congenital cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy and the neonate: consensus recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and therapy (Rawlinson et al., 2017)
European Consensus: Consensus recommendation for prenatal, neonatal and postnatal management of congenital cytomegalovirus infection from the European congenital infection initiative (ECCI) (Europe, 2024)
Canadian Paediatric Society – Practice point: “Update on congenital cytomegalovirus infection: Prenatal prevention, newborn diagnosis, and management

For Healthcare Providers