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News18
27-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Pregnant And Worried About Hepatitis? Here's What You Should Know
For pregnant women, getting ahead can be a lifesaver. Hepatitis may be a stealth disease, but your reaction doesn't have to be Hepatitis may not be the first thing on your mind during pregnancy, but it should be on the checklist. For many women, it remains an invisible threat, often undiagnosed until it's too late. When detected early, however, hepatitis B and C can be managed effectively, and most importantly, steps can be taken to protect your baby. If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, Dr Pankhuri Gautam, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology Cocoon Hospital, Jaipur shares six essential things to know about hepatitis and how it can impact your pregnancy: 1. Hepatitis B and C Can Be Passed to Your Baby at Birth One of the most serious risks of hepatitis in pregnancy is mother-to-child transmission, especially in the case of hepatitis B. Without preventive steps, the baby may be born with chronic infection something that can quietly damage their liver over time. What helps: A simple blood test during routine antenatal check-ups can screen for both hepatitis B and C. If positive, the care team can take protective measures before and after delivery. 2. Testing Is Now Part of Antenatal Care But Still Missed in Some Cases In India, hepatitis screening is part of the national antenatal care protocol. But in reality, especially in private hospitals or clinics, it's not always done unless requested. What helps: Don't hesitate to ask if hepatitis screening is part of your bloodwork. It's a routine test that takes very little time but could make a huge difference. 3. The First 24 Hours After Birth Are Key to Prevention If a mother is hepatitis B positive, the baby should receive the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine along with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) within 24 hours. This combined approach can prevent transmission in nearly all cases. What helps: Let your hospital team know your hepatitis status in advance so that preventive treatment can be arranged at delivery. 4. Hepatitis C Is Treatable But Therapy Typically Begins Postpartum Hepatitis C has no vaccine, but it can be treated and cured using oral antivirals. Yet these drugs are not usually recommended when a woman is pregnant. What works: If you have hepatitis C, your physician will keep you closely under surveillance and start you on therapy after delivery. 5. Pre-Existing Hepatitis Requires Additional Monitoring During Pregnancy Pregnancy can sometimes worsen existing hepatitis infections. Liver function may need to be tracked more closely if you're a known carrier of hepatitis B or C. What helps: Keep your obstetrician informed of your hepatitis status so that regular liver tests and specialist referrals can be built into your care plan. 6. It's Safe to Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine During Pregnancy If you weren't vaccinated as a child, it's not too late. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe throughout pregnancy and comes in a three-dose series. What works: Ask your physician about receiving the vaccine or completing the vaccine. It's an active move with long-term protection for both you and your baby. For pregnant women, getting ahead can be a lifesaver. Hepatitis may be a stealth disease, but your reaction doesn't have to be. Testing, vaccination, and advance planning are easy but effective measures because protecting your baby's health begins with protecting your own. view comments First Published: July 27, 2025, 12:36 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
27-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Preventing Hepatitis B in newborns: Ministry of Health urges timely vaccination
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, emphasized the urgent need to prevent mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B. The ministry is advocating for universal screening of pregnant women and ensuring that all newborns receive the birth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of B, a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), is commonly transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. Early intervention through testing and vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of transmission, contributing to better public health GUIDLINESFor pregnant women Mandatory testing: All pregnant women should be tested for Hepatitis B at healthcare delivery: Women testing positive should deliver at a healthcare facility to ensure proper medical newbornsTimely vaccination: Every newborn should receive a birth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine, preferably within 24 protection: If the mother is Hepatitis B positive, the baby should also receive Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG) along with the SERVICES AVAILABLEThe ministry assures that testing, vaccines, and HBIG are available free of cost at all designated government healthcare facilities. Citizens can also contact the national toll-free helpline 1800-11-6666 for more initiative is part of MoHFW's broader #HealthForAll campaign, reinforcing the government's commitment to accessible and equitable healthcare for every Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, is the apex body responsible for health policy, awareness, and services across the country. The ministry leads national programs focused on public health, immunisation, and disease prevention.
