Hepatitis A during pregnancy

Hepatitis A is a viral infection affecting the liver. Pregnancy does not change how the virus spreads: contaminated food or water and close contact can transmit it. Symptoms may include nausea, loss of appetite, feeling generally unwell, fever, abdominal discomfort, dark urine or yellowing of the eyes and skin. These symptoms can overlap with ordinary pregnancy symptoms, so testing helps distinguish them. A liver function test may be part of the assessment. The infection does not become chronic, but illness can be substantial and dehydration can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Contact your maternity team or clinician promptly if hepatitis A is suspected or you have had a known exposure. Drink frequent fluids if you can keep them down, eat small manageable meals, rest, and check before taking medicines or supplements. Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before preparing food; avoid preparing food for other people while unwell. Do not share towels or utensils, and tell close contacts about the exposure so they can receive appropriate advice. Ask whether hepatitis A vaccination or post-exposure protection is suitable for your situation.

Seek urgent medical help if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, feel faint or confused, develop severe abdominal pain, have unusual bleeding, or notice rapidly worsening yellowing. Contact your maternity service urgently for reduced fetal movement or any pregnancy concern. Call ahead before attending a clinic so staff can advise on infection precautions.

Ask which tests are needed, how to manage vomiting and fluids, which medicines are suitable in pregnancy, whether close contacts need protection, and when your liver tests should be repeated.