Hepatitis B and pregnancy

Since February 1992, the screening for hepatitis B is required in the sixth month of pregnancy, by the search for HBsAg (HBsAg). See MARKERS OF HEPATITIS B and HEPATITIS.

The severity of maternal infection if HBsAg is positive, will be evaluated by the research of HBeAg, the HBc antibody assay of transaminases and IgM.

You should know that fetal infection, which is zero during the first trimester of pregnancy, reaches a maximum in late pregnancy and childbirth. Fetal contamination will be more frequent than viremic density will be important in the mother, and this density is measured by the research of the various factors we have mentioned.

You should know that the risk of fetal damage is CHRONIC HEPATITIS.

To avoid this possibility, measures are to be taken from the birth of the child.

This is a protocol which varies serovaccination maternal serological profile, only the doctor is able to implement.

Moreover, if the determination of HBsAg positive in the sixth month of pregnancy, you should test the spouse and children, and vaccinated if they are HBsAg negative.