Becoming a mother soon brings not only a lot of joy and excitement, but also the responsibility to take good care of your own health and that of your baby. An important topic we would like to talk about today is the influence of hepatitis B and C during pregnancy. Although it may seem like a worrying topic, our goal at Verloskundigen Lelystad is to provide you with all the necessary information so that you are well prepared and can receive the right care.
Hepatitis B and C are viruses that can affect the liver and without proper monitoring and treatment, can pose risks to both you and your baby. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what these viruses are, how to know if you’re infected, and what steps you can take to stay healthy during your pregnancy.
Let's work together to ensure a safe and healthy start for you and your little one. Read on to learn more about hepatitis B and C in pregnancy.
What You Need to Know About Hepatitis B & C During Pregnancy
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. The chance of this transmission is between 10% and 90%, depending on the specific circumstances, such as the time of infection during pregnancy. That is why all pregnant women are screened for hepatitis B as standard. If positive, it is possible to give the baby a vaccination and hepatitis B immunoglobulin immediately after birth to prevent infection.
Hepatitis C, on the other hand, has a much lower chance of transmission during childbirth—about 5%. While there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, antiviral drugs may be considered during pregnancy. It is essential for pregnant women to be tested for hepatitis C, especially if they have risk factors such as previous intravenous drug use. Below is a short list of recommendations for pregnant women who are infected with hepatitis B or C:
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- Regular monitoring by a specialist in viral hepatitis.
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- Discuss the possibility of antiviral therapy with your health care provider.
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- Maintain good personal hygiene to minimize the risk of transmission.
| Virus | Risk of transmission | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis B | 10% – 90% | Vaccination and immunoglobulin after birth |
| Hepatitis C | Round 5% | Possible antiviral medication |
If you are pregnant, it is important to be aware of these risks. Working with your midwife and specialist is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Fortunately, with the right care and treatment, many of the risks are manageable and your baby can be protected from these viruses.
The risks of Hepatitis B & C for you and your baby
Hepatitis B and C are viruses that can cause serious damage to the liver. If you become infected as an expectant mother, there is a risk that you will pass the infection on to your baby. The risk of transmission is particularly significant with Hepatitis B if the infection is contracted late in pregnancy or during childbirth. Fortunately, there are preventive measures that can be taken to minimize the risks.
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- Vaccination: Effective vaccination programs are available for Hepatitis B. Pregnant women at risk can be vaccinated to prevent transmission to the baby.
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- Screening during pregnancy: It is standard procedure to test all pregnant women for Hepatitis B and, if necessary, also for Hepatitis C. In the event of a positive result, immediate measures are taken to protect the health of mother and child.
Treatments are available that can greatly reduce the risk of transmission of Hepatitis B from mother to child. For example, a hepatitis B immune globulin is administered to the baby immediately after birth, followed by a series of vaccinations. There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C, but ongoing research offers hope for future treatment options. It is therefore crucial to get tested early and to follow the advice of your healthcare provider.
How to Prevent and Treat Hepatitis B & C During Pregnancy
Prevention ...
Therapy during pregnancy requires special attention. If you test positive for hepatitis B or C, your healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan that is safe for you and your baby. For hepatitis B, for example, antiviral medications may be prescribed to reduce the amount of virus in your blood and prevent transmission to your baby. Discuss your options with your midwife. For hepatitis C, there are fewer treatment options during pregnancy, but treatment that effectively addresses the disease can be started immediately after delivery. The table below provides an overview of the actions you can take:
| Action | Goal |
|---|---|
| Vaccination | Prevention of infection |
| Medication | Reduce virus load, prevent transmission |
| Avoid risk factors | Minimal exposure to virus |
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the health risks for both you and your unborn child. And remember, it is essential to keep all medical appointments and follow your prescribed treatment closely. Together, we strive to give you and your baby a healthy start!
Resume
We hope this article has given you more insight into the risks and important information surrounding hepatitis B and C during pregnancy. At Verloskundigen Lelystad we understand that the well-being of you and your baby comes first and that is why we are always here to support and advise you during this special time in your life.
If you have any questions or need additional guidance on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of expert midwives is here to help you have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Take care of yourself and remember, we are only a phone call or email away!
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