How Common is It?
Approximately 10% of women with an acute hepatitis B infection (HBV) in their first trimester will transmit the virus to their infant, compared to approximately 90% of women with an acute infection in their third trimester.
How is it Transmitted?
Perinatal HBV infection occurs if the baby is exposed to the mother’s blood either during pregnancy (a potential complication of amniocentesis) or delivery.
As long as the baby receives the hepatitis B vaccine, and a special shot called H-BIG, breastfeeding is safe.
Effect on Pregnancy Outcome:
HBV infection increases the risk of preterm birth and of having a low birth weight infant.
90% of infants who become infected with HBV become chronically infected. Chronic HBV infection is associated with a high risk of liver disease, which can be fatal in up to one quarter of cases.
Screening Recommendation:
All pregnant women should be screened during their first trimester. High-risk women should be screened again during their third trimester.
Treatment:
Vaccination is recommended for high-risk women, and positive pregnant women should see a specialist. Special drug treatment is available for infants who may have been exposed in-utero.
