Hepatitis A and pregnancy

Pregnancy can make nausea, tiredness, and appetite changes harder to distinguish from hepatitis symptoms. Hepatitis A may cause nausea, loss of appetite, feeling generally unwell, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes. These symptoms do not prove hepatitis A, but they warrant a clinician's assessment when they are new, persistent, or worsening.

The care team may consider symptoms, exposure history, blood tests, hydration, and liver function. Tell both your maternity team and your usual clinician about a suspected exposure or reactive result so advice is coordinated.

Contact your maternity or primary-care team promptly if hepatitis A is suspected or you have been exposed. Drink fluids in small, frequent amounts if nausea makes this difficult, and ask before taking non-prescribed medicines or supplements. Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling food. Ask whether hepatitis A vaccination or other preventive care is appropriate for your exposure and pregnancy circumstances. A liver function test may be part of the assessment.

Seek urgent medical care for repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, severe abdominal pain, yellow eyes or skin, dark urine with worsening illness, confusion, fainting, or unusual sleepiness. Pregnancy-related concerns such as reduced fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, or contractions also need urgent maternity advice. Do not wait for a routine appointment if symptoms are severe.

Ask which tests are needed, how your liver function and hydration will be monitored, and whether your baby needs any additional observation. Clarify which medicines are suitable, how to reduce household exposure, and whether vaccination is advised after a recent contact.