Hepatitis B in pregnancy: challenges and treatment

Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection that may cause no symptoms. Pregnancy does not make every infection behave the same way, so clinicians assess the mother’s liver and the amount of virus when deciding on monitoring or treatment. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, yellow skin or eyes and dark urine, although these can also occur for other reasons.

The maternity team, liver specialist or general practitioner may share care. Tell every clinician about the diagnosis before medicines or supplements are started. The baby’s protection is planned around delivery and follow-up, and the exact plan depends on local clinical guidance and the mother’s results.

Tell your antenatal team as early as possible and attend blood tests and liver reviews. A Liver Function Test can help assess liver activity, while other tests help determine whether antiviral treatment or closer observation is needed. Do not stop a prescribed medicine or start a herbal product without discussing it.

Ask the maternity team how the newborn will receive Hepatitis B Vaccination and any additional protection recommended after birth. Household and sexual contacts should be assessed for vaccination. Avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes, cover open cuts, and use protection during sex until partners are known to be protected.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, confusion, unusual drowsiness, rapidly worsening jaundice or bleeding that is hard to control. Contact the maternity team promptly if you cannot keep prescribed medicines down or if you develop new dark urine with yellow eyes. A possible blood exposure should be reported quickly so prevention can be considered.

Ask which results guide treatment, how often the liver will be checked, and whether a medicine is suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask who will arrange the baby’s vaccination and follow-up, how partners can be protected, and which symptoms should prompt an urgent call.