What should you know about hepatitis C in newborns?

A baby born to someone with current hepatitis C may need a planned testing pathway. Exposure does not confirm infection. Babies with hepatitis C often look well, and symptoms are not a reliable way to decide whether testing is needed. The paediatric team chooses the timing and type of blood test, then explains whether another test is required. A parent’s antibody result and a baby’s result do not answer exactly the same question, so use the child’s own follow-up plan.

Tell the newborn’s paediatrician or GP about the birth parent’s hepatitis C results, previous treatment, and any other relevant medical history. Keep the baby’s appointments and bring the test plan to each visit. Do not delay routine feeding or newborn care because of possible exposure; ask the clinical team about any individual feeding concerns. A GP Consultation can help coordinate records, while a Liver Function Test may be considered later if the clinician feels it is useful.

Seek urgent medical help if the newborn has difficulty breathing, becomes unusually sleepy or difficult to wake, feeds poorly, has repeated vomiting, develops a fever, or looks yellow and unwell. These signs have many possible causes and need prompt assessment. They should not be used to judge whether hepatitis C is present.

Ask when the first test should happen, who will notify you of the result, and whether the baby needs repeat testing. Confirm which symptoms should prompt a same-day call and how the birth parent can access hepatitis C care.