What should you know about hepatitis C treatment in pregnancy?

If hepatitis C is found during pregnancy, your clinicians can review liver health, current medicines and the stage of pregnancy before recommending treatment. Some antiviral options may be deferred until after birth because safety information in pregnancy differs between medicines. This does not mean care stops: monitoring and preparation for follow-up remain important.

Hepatitis C can be present without symptoms. Fatigue, nausea and abdominal discomfort may also occur in pregnancy, so symptoms alone cannot show whether the virus is active or whether liver inflammation is present.

Tell every clinician involved in your pregnancy that you have hepatitis C or are awaiting confirmatory testing. Attend recommended blood tests, bring your medicine and supplement list, and do not start or stop treatment without advice. A GP Consultation can help coordinate referrals, pregnancy care and plans for testing after birth. Ask how results will be recorded for your baby’s care team.

Seek urgent assessment for yellowing of the skin or eyes, confusion, severe vomiting, unusual bleeding or rapidly worsening abdominal swelling. Contact your maternity team for new pregnancy concerns, reduced fetal movement later in pregnancy, or symptoms that feel severe. These concerns need assessment even when hepatitis C is not the cause.

Ask whether treatment is recommended now or after birth, which blood tests are needed, how medicines may affect pregnancy care, and how your baby will be followed. Also ask about breastfeeding advice, delivery planning and the timing of your own post-pregnancy treatment review.