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Hepatitis in Pregnancy.Hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver. It is one of the most serious infections that can occur during pregnancy. Hepatitis B is responsible for nearly half the cases of hepatitis in the United States. It is transmitted by sexual contact or reuse of hypodermic needles.
Those at risk for contracting hepatitis B include people with a history of intravenous drug use, a history of sexually transmitted diseases or exposure to people or blood products that contain hepatitis B. The B type can be transmitted to the developing fetus of a pregnant woman.
Hepatitis symptoms include the following:
• nausea
• flu like symptoms
• jaundice (yellow skin)
• dark urine
• pain in or around the liver or upper-right abdomen
Hepatitis B is diagnosed by blood tests. In most areas, women are tested for hepatitis B at the beginning of pregnancy. If you test positive, your baby may receive immune globulin (antibodies to fight hepatitis) following delivery. It is now recommended that all newborns receive hepatitis vaccine shortly after birth. Ask your pediatrician if this vaccine is available in your area.
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