Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation in the liver which in turn can damage and destroy liver cells. It can be passed from person to person by body fluids and this means there’s a potential risk of passing the virus to your baby during pregnancy. In order to better understand the implications of Hepatitis B during pregnancy, we’ve put together this guide.
How do I know if I have Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B can take a long time to become apparent that it’s in your system. You can be a carrier for years before any of the symptoms begin to show which means that you may become pregnant with no knowledge of whether you’re carrying the virus or not.
As there’s a high risk of transferring Hepatitis B during pregnancy, you will be subjected to routine blood tests to determine whether or not you’re a carrier.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?
The symptoms of this virus can come and go, but may include:
- Tiredness, aches and pains – often mistaken for the flu
- Stomach pains
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, called jaundice
- Dark urine and pale-coloured faeces – also another symptom of jaundice
Will Hepatitis B affect my pregnancy?
The likelihood of the virus affecting your pregnancy is very small, but as with all conditions, there is an increased risk which is why antenatal care is incredibly important. If you are diagnosed with Hepatitis B during your pregnancy then there could be chance of:
- A premature birth
- Giving birth to a baby of low weight
- Developing gestational diabetes
- Experiencing heavy bleeding during the later stages of the pregnancy
How is the virus passed to my baby?
Transferral generally doesn’t happen during the pregnancy but during birth. However, there is no evidence to say that a caesarean birth reduces the risk of transferring the virus and so a normal birth is still possible.
Should you be a carrier of the virus, your child should be vaccinated at birth, then again at a month old, then again at two months and another once they reach a year old.
What happens whilst I’m pregnant?
During your pregnancy, you will be referred to a specialist doctor who will take a blood sample to determine the levels of Hepatitis B in your blood. If they find a high level of the virus, then it is likely they will provide medication in your third trimester to manage Hepatitis B during pregnancy.
It is also likely that you will continue taking the medication for up to twelve weeks after the birth and, in some cases, your doctor may advise you to take it for longer if they believe it will benefit your health.
If you have any questions about your treatment or concerned about anything, then speak to your doctor and they will be able to advise you based on your current situation.
Resources:
https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a1506/hepatitis-b-in-pregnancy
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