Pregnant with hepatitis B: what should you know?

Hepatitis B can be present without obvious symptoms, while some people notice fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, or dark urine. Pregnancy care considers liver health and the amount of virus in the blood. A positive result does not by itself describe how active the infection is, so follow-up tests help the team plan care and reduce the chance of transmission to the baby.

Share your hepatitis B result with your obstetric or GP team and attend recommended blood tests and appointments. Ask whether a Liver Function Test or other monitoring is needed, and discuss any antiviral treatment decision with the clinician managing your pregnancy. Do not stop prescribed medicine or start supplements without advice. Your maternity team should arrange timely protective care for the newborn after birth.

Contact your clinician promptly for worsening fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, persistent vomiting, or increasing abdominal pain. Seek urgent care for confusion, severe weakness, vomiting blood, black stools, or sudden severe abdominal pain. Keep routine antenatal appointments even when you feel well, because hepatitis B may be quiet.

Ask how active the infection is, which liver tests are needed, whether treatment is recommended, and how the baby will be protected after birth. Ask whether household and sexual contacts need testing or Hepatitis B Vaccination, and how to handle breastfeeding and medicines in your specific plan.