There has been an increase in hepatitis C among young adults, including women of childbearing age. Rates of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection more than tripled among reproductive persons between 2010 – 2021. Thus, rates of transmission of HCV to infants have increased as well. Currently, there are no known prevention measures for perinatal hepatitis C infection. The best way to combat perinatal hepatitis C, is treatment of childbearing women before they become pregnant. Here is some helpful information if you have hepatitis C and are pregnant1:
• Breastfeeding is not a risk for hepatitis C infected parents. Precautions for cracked and bleeding nipples.
• It is best to avoid invasive diagnostic testing unless strongly indicated.
• RCV RNA and routine liver function test are recommended at initial prenatal visit to assess severity of disease.
• It is best to avoid internal fetal monitoring, prolonged rupture of membranes and episiotomies (cutting of the vaginal canal to remove the baby).
• Women with HCV infection should have their HCV RNA re-evaluated after delivery to see if they have cleared the HCV on their own.
• HCV testing of all perinatally exposed infants with a nucleic acid test (NAT) at 2 – 6 months of age. A NAT for HCV RNA is recommended for perinatally exposed infants and children aged 7 – 17 months who had not been previously tested.
Related helpful links on Hepatitis C and Pregnancy
-
Hepatitis C in Pregnancy HCV in Pregnancy | HCV Guidance
-
Hepatitis C – What Is Hep C? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
-
Hepatitis C (HCV) - Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
-
Hepatitis Resource Center | CDC
-
Hepatitis C Guidelines Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C
-
Viral Hepatitis in Pregnancy Treatment and Prevention of Viral Hepatitis in Pregnancy
-
For more information about perinatal hepatitis C, you may contact the Perinatal Hep B Nurse Specialist at 202-576-9325 or email the HAHSTA Hepatitis Coordinator.