Table of Contents
Dateline: January 26, 2024
Viral hepatitis, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV), can have serious consequences for both mother and baby. Understanding these infections and taking preventative measures is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
The Importance of Screening
Routine screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a standard practice, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends one-time testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody for all pregnant women.
Understanding the viruses
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can be spread through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids. Hepatitis C is also a liver infection, spread primarily through blood-too-blood contact. Both viruses can cause acute and chronic infections, and chronic infections can lead to serious liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
Impact on Pregnancy and the Newborn
During pregnancy, hepatitis B can be transmitted to the baby during birth.Though, with proper treatment – administering hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and the hepatitis B vaccine to the newborn within 12 hours of birth – the risk of chronic infection can be reduced to less than 5%. Hepatitis C is also transmitted vertically, meaning from mother to baby, but the transmission rate is generally lower, around 4-6%.
The consequences of untreated hepatitis B or C infection in the newborn can be severe, including chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and an increased risk of liver cancer later in life. For the mother, pregnancy can sometimes worsen existing liver disease, and there’s a potential
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