If you are infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis or genital herpes during pregnancy, there is a chance that the infection might be transferred to your baby. Find out simple ways to help protect yourself and your baby against these infections.

Do’s

• Wash your hands before preparing food and eating
• Wash hands, knives, and chopping boards thoroughly after preparing raw meat
• Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly to get rid of any traces of soil
• Wear gloves while gardening
• Wear gloves while emptying cat litter trays and empty them every day
• Wash your hands after touching a child’s urine or saliva. Wash your hands well for 15-20 seconds using soap and water.

Don’ts

• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, or cured meats like salami or Parma ham
• Avoid drinking unpasteurized goat’s milk or any products made from it
• Do not touch or handle pregnant sheep or lambs
• Do not put things in your mouth that have been in your child’s mouth. Try not to share food, cups, or cutlery, or put your child’s dummy in your mouth
• Avoid getting saliva from a baby/young child in your mouth. Try giving your child a kiss on the head instead of the lips
• Avoid vaginal, anal, or oral sex if you or your partner have herpes blisters or sores, or a tingle or itch that means an outbreak is coming
• Avoid letting your baby be kissed by anyone who has an active cold sore

Read more about Genital Herpes
Read more about Risk Reduction