When a pregnant woman tests positive for hepatitis B (HBsAg positive), it means she has the hepatitis B virus in her blood. This is important because the infection can be passed from mother to child during childbirth if not properly managed. The good news is that with the right care and vaccination at birth, the baby can be protected from getting infected.
At Hope Plus, you can speak with a licensed healthcare provider online to understand your test results, plan your pregnancy safely, and make sure your baby is protected from hepatitis B and other infections.
Key Takeaways
- All pregnant women should be tested for hepatitis B.
- If positive, extra tests help assess how infectious the mother is.
- Babies can be fully protected with the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
- Breastfeeding is safe for mothers who are HBsAg positive.
- Mothers living with both HIV and hepatitis B need special care.
Understanding Hepatitis B in Pregnancy
Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. During pregnancy, the main concern is passing the virus to the baby during birth. If not prevented, the baby can become a lifelong carrier of the virus, increasing the risk of liver disease later in life.
However, the risk of transmission can be greatly reduced if the right steps are taken before, during, and after delivery.
What Happens if You Are HBsAg Positive
If you are found HBsAg positive during pregnancy:
1. If You Are Also HIV Positive
- You will be started on antiretroviral therapy (ARVs). These medicines help control both HIV and hepatitis B, protecting your health and reducing the risk of passing the virus to your baby.
- Your baby should receive the hepatitis B vaccine immediately after birth (within 24 hours). This first dose gives vital early protection.
2. If You Are HIV Negative
- You should be referred for further testing, including:
- HBeAg test – shows how active the virus is.
- HBV DNA test – measures the amount of virus in your blood.
- These tests help determine whether you need any special treatment during pregnancy.
- Your baby should be given the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
Breastfeeding and Hepatitis B
Many mothers worry about whether it is safe to breastfeed if they are hepatitis B positive. The answer is yes, breastfeeding is safe, as long as the baby receives the hepatitis B vaccine soon after birth.
The virus is not spread through breast milk, so mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their babies as usual.
Caring for the Baby
- The first hepatitis B vaccine dose should be given within 24 hours of birth, followed by additional doses according to the national immunisation schedule.
- This helps the baby’s immune system build strong, lifelong protection against the virus.
If both the mother and child are properly managed, the risk of transmission becomes extremely low.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can my baby be completely protected?
Yes. If the baby receives the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth and completes all doses, protection is nearly 100%.
2. Should I deliver by caesarean to avoid transmission?
No. The mode of delivery (normal or caesarean) does not significantly change the risk. The vaccine at birth is what prevents infection.
3. Can I continue my ARVs after delivery?
Yes. If you are on ARVs, continue as advised by your doctor. They help protect your health and prevent transmission during breastfeeding.
4. Should my family members be tested?
Yes. Close family members and partners should be tested for hepatitis B and vaccinated if they are not immune.
5. Will hepatitis B affect my pregnancy?
In most cases, pregnancy goes on normally. The main focus is preventing transmission to the baby.
