What should you know about hepatitis B during pregnancy?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can affect the liver. Some pregnant people have no symptoms, while others notice fatigue, nausea, discomfort under the ribs, or dark urine. A positive result does not by itself show how active the infection is. Your clinician may combine blood tests with a liver function test and other hepatitis B markers to understand your situation.

Tell your obstetric and primary-care teams about any previous hepatitis B result, vaccination history, or possible exposure. Attend the recommended blood tests and keep follow-up appointments, even if you feel well. Ask how your results affect antenatal care and what arrangements will protect your newborn after delivery. Do not start, stop, or share medicines without checking that they are suitable in pregnancy.

Contact your maternity team promptly if you develop yellowing of the eyes or skin, worsening vomiting, marked abdominal swelling, confusion, or severe pain beneath the ribs. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, fainting, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms can have several causes, so they need assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Ask which hepatitis B tests you need, whether your liver needs monitoring, how your care team will coordinate around delivery, and what your baby will receive after birth. You can also ask whether household or sexual contacts should be tested or vaccinated.