Pregnant and possible CMV exposure

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi all,

I’m 17 weeks and 2 days pregnant and sort of freaking out. The patient I had to take care of the last two days is being tested for CMV. I do not know the results yet and I may not ever know as they’re planning to discharge him soon. The physician who ordered the test did say it was just for completion because they believe he may have autoimmune hepatitis. Anyways, I’m very concerned that I was potentially exposed. I did follow standard precautions but I’m wondering if this is something I should mention to my OB?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.

While I completely understand being overly cautious and concerned when pregnant, this is one of those quasi-myths that have continued on in healthcare. Per the CDC website, the CDC does not recommend excluding pregnant health care workers from caring for patients with known CMV infection; It is spread through direct contact with secretions that contain the virus, thus standard precautions is sufficient.

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Specializes in NICU/Mother-Baby/Peds/Mgmt.

Yes, tell your OB of possible exposure. They can do lab tests on you as well as look for signs on ultrasound of possible CMV in the baby. I would talk to the doctor of the patient/your supervisor/HR about being notified of results.

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3 hours ago, JadedCPN said:

While I completely understand being overly cautious and concerned when pregnant, this is one of those quasi-myths that have continued on in healthcare. Per the CDC website, the CDC does not recommend excluding pregnant health care workers from caring for patients with known CMV infection; It is spread through direct contact with secretions that contain the virus, thus standard precautions is sufficient.

So then you think I'll be fine? The patient was ad lib too so I wasn't really exposed to saliva or urine. Do you think I should still mention it to my OB?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.
53 minutes ago, mhite226 said:

So then you think I'll be fine? The patient was ad lib too so I wasn't really exposed to saliva or urine. Do you think I should still mention it to my OB?

None of us can give medical advice so when in doubt, mention it to your doctor. If anything you will get better peace of mind. But yes if you look at mode of transmission and CDC recommendations, I think you’ll be fine. Fun fact, almost one out of every three kids under the age of 5 have it and don’t know it so you’ve likely been exposed a lot more than you realize.

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Sounds like your best plan for peace of mind would be to notify your OB and proceed on their recommendations.

As per the Terms of Service no one may offer medical advice, this thread will be closed.

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