What should you know about hepatitis B and pregnancy?

A pregnancy appointment may include hepatitis B screening even when you feel well. A positive result does not by itself describe how active the infection is or how the liver is coping. Your clinician may review hepatitis B markers and liver tests, then decide whether specialist input or treatment is needed. Hepatitis B can cause fatigue or dark urine, but symptoms are not a reliable way to judge activity. Read more about [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/), [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/), and [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/).

Tell your obstetric team if you have hepatitis B, had a previous positive result, or are unsure of your vaccination history. Ask which blood tests are planned and whether a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) is appropriate. Keep appointments so the team can follow liver health and plan care around delivery. The baby’s clinician should arrange newborn preventive care promptly after birth; ask exactly what will be given and when. Do not start, stop, or change antiviral medicine, supplements, or other treatment without the clinician managing your pregnancy.

Contact your maternity or medical team promptly if you develop yellowing of the eyes or skin, worsening dark urine, marked fatigue, vomiting that prevents fluids, abdominal swelling, confusion, or bleeding. Seek urgent help for severe illness, fainting, trouble breathing, or heavy bleeding. These symptoms need assessment because they can signal a pregnancy problem or liver illness; they do not establish the cause on their own.

Ask whether your result shows current infection, past exposure, or immunity; whether your liver needs monitoring; which medicines are suitable in pregnancy; and how the newborn will be protected. You can also ask whether household and sexual contacts should discuss [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/).