We all dream of that moment where we get to start our Parenthood journey. But throughout the journey of pregnancy, we have so many worries. Are they safe? Will I keep them safe? We worry about how many kicks and movements we feel, we worry about their health, all of these are completely normal though…

But although we know about the “every day worries” what about the unknown potential worries we aren’t being told about or being made aware of?

Sadly, the reason for me writing this blog is because of an incredible woman’s story. A woman I have known for nearly twenty years, a woman who was awarded for her strength whilst working in the Army, she has shown strength and resilience throughout her years in what I can only describe as an incredible journey. And she has done this whilst being a Mum, and what a Mum she is. But sadly I don’t write this blog with a happy ending, BUT I am honoured to be writing it at the same time in the hope that my words and her strength can help others to learn about something that took one of the most beautiful journeys and stopped it in its tracks.

At 28 weeks, we learnt how her pregnancy did not end the way her and her wonderful family had wanted it to. Due to a disease a lot of us do not know about, it caused her to bring her beautiful little girl into the world sleeping. With that in mind I would like you as the reader to read on to learn more about this hidden disease, to learn from it, and to teach others and spread the word. This is her story. But her strength is stopping it from ending here.

CMV is largely unheard of, but a common virus that infects people of all ages. Once CMV is in a person’s body, it stays there for life. Most young children often get CMV for the first time at nursery and most healthy adults who become infected will have no signs or symptoms and no long-term effects from CMV. It can however pose serious risks to unborn babies if a pregnant woman catches it for the first time.

It’s time to EDUCATE – VACCINATE – ERADICATE this awful virus.

If you would like to learn more then please read on, all information has been written from the website and charity organisation https://cmvaction.org.uk/what-cmv

What is CMV?

CMV, or Cytomegalovirus, is a common virus that can infect people of all ages. Once CMV is in a person’s body, it stays there for life. Most healthy adults and children who become infected will have no signs or symptoms and no long term effects from CMV.  It can however pose serious risks to unborn babies if a pregnant woman catches it for the first time. Congenital CMV is when a baby has been infected before birth. It is one of the leading causes of hearing loss in children and one of the main causes of childhood disability.  

Transmission

You can’t catch CMV from simply being in the same room as someone with the virus. It is spread through bodily fluids, so the chance of catching it through casual contact is very low. However, pregnant women need to take care, particularly if they work with young children or have very young children at home.

CMV is found in bodily fluids, including urine, saliva, blood, mucus and tears. It is spread through close contact with bodily fluids. The main way pregnant women catch CMV is from small children’s saliva and urine. So women who work with children, or who have a family already, need to be especially careful during pregnancy.

Learn, become aware and always be prepared

Congenital CMV infection occurs when a mother is infected with CMV and it passes through to her unborn baby. About one third of women who become infected with CMV for the first time during pregnancy pass the virus to their unborn babies. About 1 of every 5 children born with the virus will develop permanent problems due to the infection – nearly 1000 babies every year. These problems include hearing loss, physical and motor impairment, seizures, autism, learning difficulties and visual impairment. 

Congenital CMV is more common than Down’s syndrome and causes more birth defects than Toxoplasmosis, Spina Bifida or Rubella. 
Yet a survey of over 1,000 British women aged 18-44 commissioned by CMV Action* and carried out by ComRes, showed that only one third (33%) of women have heard of it. Nine out of ten (91%) women think that pregnant women should be given advice about CMV infection during pregnancy.

How you can help…

Please help to support the cause, you can donate via the link and read her story here https://eadieteague.muchloved.com

The story for our beautiful friend is far from over, and I am heartbroken to be writing this. But if you can share, support and show this story to so many others you could potentially help to save a family, you could help to keep someone safe.

All my love x