
Hepatitis B and C During Pregnancy
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are liver infections that can significantly impact pregnancy outcomes and pose risks to both mothers and infants.
- Gestational diabetes: Women with chronic hepatitis B or C are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. This condition can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, which can complicate pregnancies and lead to birth complications such as preterm labor or need for cesarean section. The exact mechanism by which these infections contribute to gestational diabetes is still being studied, but liver dysfunction related to hepatitis B and C may interfere with insulin metabolism and hormone regulation.
- Low birth weight and premature birth: Pregnant women with Hepatitis B or C may have an increased risk of delivering babies with low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds) and premature birth (before 37 weeks of gestation). This is especially concerning because low birth weight can lead to a host of neonatal complications, such as respiratory issues, developmental delays, and a higher risk for infections. Hepatitis-related liver damage and the body’s immune response may also affect placental function, impairing nutrient transfer to infants, and increasing the likelihood of preterm labor.
- Transmission to infants: Both hepatitis B and C can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. Hepatitis B is highly infectious, and transmission from mother to infant occurs in 40% of cases where the mother is positive for the virus—rates of hepatitis B transmission are even greater if the mother has high levels of circulating virus. Fortunately, vaccination of the newborn with hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin immediately after birth can reduce this risk significantly. Hepatitis C transmission from mother to infant is less common (around 6-7% of cases), but it can still occur, primarily during childbirth when there is exposure to infected blood. Women who are co-infected with HIV are at higher risk of transmitting hepatitis C to infants. In some cases, women may be offered antiviral medications during pregnancy to reduce viral load and reduce the risk of transmission.