Exact Answer: 6-12 Months
Cytomegalovirus, also known as CMV, is known to be one of the most common viruses. It is related to the Herpes virus, which is also the cause of diseases like Chicken Pox and Cold Sores. The virus can be transmitted both ways, horizontally as well as vertically.
Horizontal transmission of the virus means that it can be transmitted from person to person contact with virus production. Vertical transmission means it can be transmitted from a mother to infant, before or after the birth of the infant.
In such a case, a person with CMV may wonder how long they should wait to get pregnant once they catch the virus.
How Long After CMV To Get Pregnant?
Cytomegalovirus is a common congenital infection. It can be a cause of hearing loss and neurodevelopmental delay. It can be transmitted horizontally and vertically. Horizontal transmission is the person to person when one person comes in close contact with other while releasing the virus. Vertical transmission happens when the virus is transmitted from a mother to a child. The vertical transmission from mother to child can happen during pregnancy as well as after the birth of the child.
Symptoms of CMV are very similar to the symptoms a woman has during pregnancy, but there are symptoms. These common similar to pregnancy symptoms include Fever, sore throat, fatigue, and body pain. In some cases, CMV may enter a person’s body and leave without them even noticing it. However, it can last for a longer period.
But this is not always the case. If no treatment is taken at the right time, there can be serious problems. This virus can cause major problems as hearing loss and neurodevelopment delay and hence, should be taken seriously.
There is no proper data available regarding how long someone can get pregnant once they find out about the virus in them. However, it is commonly suggested that one can wait from 6 months to 12 months so that the virus is controlled. In some cases, the virus can be completely cured in one’s body, while in some cases the virus can stay in the body for a lifetime and eventually may pass on the future generations.
| Scale | Time |
| Minimum (approx.) | 6 months |
| Maximum (approx.) | 12 months |
Why Do I Have To Wait For That Long After CMV To Get Pregnant?
As said earlier, CMV can be transferred horizontally and vertically. Horizontally, when a person comes in contact with infected body fluid, they can get infected with CMV. Vertically is when it passes from a mother to their infant during or after birth. Hence, it can be said it is a major threat to the mother, as well as the newborn. So, to avoid any harm to the child as well as the mother, it is recommended that one should wait for 6 months to 12 months before getting pregnant once they are infected with CMV.
It is said that around 1% of children are reported to have congenital CMV. The symptoms of a newborn infected with CMV can be minor to very dangerous. Minor includes little fever and most dangerous being brain damage, intrauterine growth retardation, neonatal jaundice, intracerebral calcifications, etc.
Even though mothers with better immunity against CMV may not face a major problem, it is not something that can be ignored. It is true indeed that the immunity prevents any major symptoms as well as may prevent the newborn from having CMV but, it is a virus that needs to be treated as immunity may not last forever.
Cytomegalovirus is a dangerous virus belonging to the family of Herpes. From minor problems like fever and sore throat, it can cause major problems like hearing problems, neurodevelopment delays, etc. so it is recommended that one should consult a doctor immediately if they see any major symptoms.
Conclusion
Cytomegalovirus is a common virus. It is related to Herpes which also causes diseases like chickenpox and cold sores. CMV is a transmittable virus. It can be transmitted person to person, i.e., horizontally, as well as, mother to infant, i.e., vertically.
To prevent any problems for the mother and the newborn baby, it is recommended that one should wait to get pregnant if they have CMV. There is no fixed time but it is said that one should wait at least 6 months and up to 12 months before getting pregnant after CMV.