What to know about hepatitis B in pregnancy

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Hepatitis B poses various health risks for pregnant individuals and their babies. We explore this in further detail below.

In pregnant people

Although rare, some individuals may experience hepatitis flares due to immunological changes during pregnancy. Hepatitis flares are an increase in alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in a person’s blood, which can indicate liver damage.

People with hepatitis B are also at higher risk of liver failure and liver cancer. However, many pregnant people with hepatitis B experience no symptoms.

In babies

Without treatment, pregnant people with hepatitis B will likely spread the infection to their babies. About one-fourth of infants with hepatitis B die from complications of this infection.

Additionally, researchers have found that hepatitis B infection increases the risk of preterm labor. And infants born prematurely face additional risks, such as:

• digestive issues
• breathing trouble
• low birth weight
• developmental delays

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that pregnant individuals undergo hepatitis B testing. Getting tested early in pregnancy is crucial, as it enables individuals who test positive to manage the infection.

A blood test can indicate whether certain hepatitis B antigens are present in the bloodstream. An antigen is a substance in the body that stimulates an immune response. Blood tests may also look for hepatitis B antibodies, which the immune system produces to fight infection.

Learn more about the results of hepatitis B tests.

Healthcare professionals may also order genetic testing for hepatitis B during pregnancy. Genetic tests for hepatitis B measure the amount of DNA in the blood that contains hepatitis B.

Individuals with high levels of hepatitis B DNA may require antiviral therapy during pregnancy. Treatment with the antiviral drug tenofovir typically begins at around 28 weeks of pregnancy. This treatment may continue throughout pregnancy or for a few months after delivery.

In certain cases, pregnancy can trigger a reactivation of hepatitis B. Due to this, it is important for doctors to monitor pregnant individuals for hepatitis B symptoms during and after pregnancy.

Immediately after delivery, newborns should receive certain medications to protect them from hepatitis B.

These include the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine and a dose of hepatitis B immune globulin. Infants who receive both of these medications upon delivery have over a 90% chance of avoiding hepatitis B infection.

Learn more about the benefits of the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns.

Pregnant individuals with hepatitis B should speak with a healthcare professional to learn more about postpartum care. Close monitoring of these individuals and their infants is crucial for protecting them from hepatitis B complications.

Current guidelines recommend monitoring individuals with hepatitis B for 6 months following delivery. During this period, doctors will look for any signs of active hepatitis B or liver damage.

The CDC states that the best way to prevent hepatitis B infection is to receive the hepatitis B vaccine. The organization recommends the vaccine for individuals of all ages.

The hepatitis B vaccine has an excellent safety record. Its most common side effect is soreness around the site of injection.

Learn more about the hepatitis B vaccine and possible side effects.

Avoiding common modes of hepatitis B transmission can also decrease the risk of acquiring this infection. This virus may spread through:

• sex with an individual who has hepatitis B
• exposure to needles or blood containing hepatitis B
• travel in countries with large rates of hepatitis B transmission

Individuals who believe they may be at risk of hepatitis B should speak with a healthcare professional to learn more.

Learn more about hepatitis B carriers and preventing transmission.

Here are some frequently asked questions about hepatitis B in pregnancy.

Can hepatitis B cause birth defects?

There is no evidence to suggest that hepatitis B causes congenital anomalies, also called birth defects. A study of pregnant individuals with hepatitis B identified congenital anomalies in up to 2% of infants.

According to the CDC, about 3% of all infants in the United States are born with congenital anomalies each year. The rate of congenital anomalies is consistent among infants regardless of hepatitis B status.

Is hepatitis B safe in pregnancy?

Pregnant individuals with hepatitis B have over a 90% chance of passing the virus to their newborn. About one-fourth of infants born with hepatitis B will ultimately die from liver complications. However, infants who receive proper treatment immediately after birth have over a 90% chance of avoiding hepatitis B infection.

Getting tested for hepatitis B early in pregnancy is crucial for protecting parents and infants. With the right support, both parent and baby can avoid serious complications.

Hepatitis B is an infection that affects the liver. Pregnant individuals with hepatitis B have a high chance of passing this infection to their newborn. Infants born with hepatitis B can experience negative health effects if they do not receive treatment.

During pregnancy, antiviral medications can help reduce a parent’s viral load. And treatments immediately after delivery can protect newborns from developing hepatitis B.

With testing and prompt treatment, both parent and baby can avoid serious health outcomes of hepatitis B infection. A person can speak with a healthcare professional to learn more about managing hepatitis B during and after pregnancy.