A simple blood test is all it takes to find out for sure if you are a carrier of CMV. The test determines whether or not your body has developed the necessary antibodies to fight off the virus. So, if you test positive, you have enough of the good antibodies you need and your chance of passing CMV on to your child is small. If, on the other hand, 
your test result is negative, you stand a higher chance of passing the virus on to your children, should you become infected over the course of your pregnancy. An amniocentesis is one test that could determine if your unborn baby is infected, but because most babies with CMV develop normally, the test is not necessary for this purpose. If you have any concerns about possibly being infected with CMV, consult your doctor straightaway.
Presently there is no treatment for CMV, so your best bet for staying safe is prevention. Here are four easy ways to make sure you and your baby stay safe and sound:
* Practice good personal hygiene, especially hand washing with soap and water after contact with diapers or saliva (particularly with a child who is in day care). Wash well for 15 to 20 seconds.
* Do not kiss children under the age of 6 on the mouth or cheek. Instead, kiss them on the head or give them a hug.
* Do not share food, drinks, or utensils (spoons or forks) with young children.
* If you are pregnant and work in a day care center, reduce your risk of getting CMV by working with children who are older than 2 ½ years of age, especially if you have never been infected with CMV or are unsure if you have been infected.
