What should you know about hepatitis C while pregnant?

A positive antibody test does not by itself prove current infection, so confirmatory testing may be needed. Pregnancy care can include liver assessment and discussion of the baby's follow-up testing after birth. Antiviral treatment decisions depend on the medicine, pregnancy stage, liver health, and specialist advice; do not start or stop treatment alone. Hepatitis C does not spread through ordinary household contact.

Tell your obstetric or midwifery team about hepatitis C as early as possible and share all medicines and supplements. Keep maternity, GP, and liver appointments so results and treatment timing are coordinated. Ask how blood exposure will be minimised during care and how the baby will be followed after birth. A GP consultation and Liver Function Test may form part of this assessment.

Contact your maternity team promptly if you cannot keep prescribed medicine down, develop a new rash, or are worried about a blood exposure. Seek urgent pregnancy care for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, reduced fetal movement, confusion, yellow skin or eyes, vomiting blood, or black stools. Report persistent Fatigue because it can reflect pregnancy, anaemia, or another condition.

Ask whether infection is current, which liver tests are needed, whether treatment should wait until after birth, what testing the baby will need, and how your maternity and liver teams will share results.