What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease caused by a virus. This virus can enter the blood stream through infected blood, semen and other body fluids and attack the liver. Some people have a short-term illness and get better while others may carry the virus for life and may develop liver disease or cancer of the liver.
People often show no signs of having the virus. The only way to know if you have the Hepatitis B virus is to get tested. The virus is transmitted to others through sharing items that have blood on them (e.g. needles, razors, toothbrushes, tattoo equipment), having sex with someone who has the virus, or from parent to baby through the birth process if the parent is infected. Whether you have known for a long time or have just been newly diagnosed with Hepatitis B, there is much you can do to preserve your health and that of your baby.
- Expect that your hepatitis B viral load is tested in the beginning of your third trimester to evaluate the need for antiviral therapy before delivery. The risk of transmission of hepatitis B is increased when the parent’s HBV viral load is high at delivery.
- Expect that hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) will be given to your infant within 12 hours of birth to reduce the risk of transmission of hepatitis B.
- It is safe to breastfeed your infant as hepatitis B is not spread by breastfeeding. (Precaution for cracked or bleeding nipples).
- Follow-up with a hepatitis specialist for the first few months after delivery and throughout your life for preventative care.
- Maintain timely hepatitis B vaccination of your infant to help build up immunity.
- Expect to get post-vaccine blood testing of your infant at 9 – 12 months to make sure they are immune and clear of the hepatitis B infection. This involves two different tests.
Other helpful links: