Causes of hepatitis in pregnancy

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, not one single illness. Viral hepatitis such as [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/) can follow exposure to infected blood or body fluids and may be present without symptoms. Pregnancy-related liver problems can also cause itching, nausea, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/). [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/) is common in pregnancy and has many causes, so it cannot identify hepatitis by itself. The timing of symptoms, pregnancy stage, medicines, supplements, travel, and exposure history help guide testing.

Contact your maternity team, obstetric clinician, or GP promptly if you develop yellowing, dark urine, persistent vomiting, right-sided upper abdominal pain, or marked itching. Bring a list of prescribed medicines, supplements, and herbal products; do not stop prescribed treatment without advice. Blood tests can assess liver inflammation and check for viral causes. A [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) is often part of the evaluation. Ask whether [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/) or testing is appropriate for you and close contacts.

Seek urgent maternity or emergency care for confusion, severe or worsening abdominal pain, inability to keep fluids down, bleeding, fainting, or rapidly increasing yellowing. Severe itching with pale stools or dark urine also deserves prompt review. Do not wait for a routine appointment if you feel suddenly very unwell, because liver inflammation and pregnancy-related liver conditions can need rapid treatment and monitoring.

Which causes are being considered, and which blood tests will distinguish them? Could my medicines or supplements affect the liver? Does this change my pregnancy monitoring or the baby's care after birth?