What should you know about hepatitis B while pregnant?

Pregnancy does not always make hepatitis B cause symptoms, and a pregnant person may feel well while carrying the virus. Blood tests can confirm infection and assess viral activity and liver health. The maternity team and liver specialist may need to share information so care is planned before delivery. Symptoms such as [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/) or [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) are not specific to hepatitis B, but they should be discussed rather than self-diagnosed.

Tell your obstetric or antenatal team about known hepatitis B as early as possible, and attend the recommended blood-test appointments. Ask how your liver will be monitored; a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) may be included. Do not start, stop, or change antiviral medicine or supplements without the pregnancy team’s advice. The baby will need a clear prevention plan at birth. Partners and household members should ask about testing and [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/).

Contact your maternity team promptly for new yellow skin or eyes, very dark urine, severe vomiting, increasing abdominal pain, confusion, or unusual bleeding. Seek urgent help if you feel seriously unwell or cannot keep fluids down. If you think a recent exposure occurred during pregnancy, ask for medical advice promptly so testing and preventive planning are not delayed.

Ask which tests you need, whether treatment is recommended during pregnancy, how your liver will be followed, and what the baby will receive after birth. Ask who will coordinate your care and whether your partner or household contacts need testing.