Hepatitis Pregnancy: What to
Hepatitis during pregnancy can be a serious condition for both the mother and the baby. The most common types of hepatitis that can affect pregnant women are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is usually spread through contact with contaminated food or water. Symptoms of hepatitis A can include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, and joint pain. In most cases, hepatitis A is a self-limited disease that resolves within a few weeks. However, in some cases, hepatitis A can lead to liver failure and death.
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Symptoms of hepatitis B can include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, and joint pain. In most cases, hepatitis B is a chronic infection that can lead to liver damage, liver failure, and death.
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is spread through contact with infected blood. Symptoms of hepatitis C can include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, and joint pain. In most cases, hepatitis C is a chronic infection that can lead to liver damage, liver failure, and death.
Treatment for Hepatitis During Pregnancy
The treatment for hepatitis during pregnancy depends on the type of hepatitis and the severity of the infection.
* Hepatitis A: There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
* Hepatitis B: There is no cure for hepatitis B, but there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease and prevent complications. These treatments include antiviral medications and interferon.
* Hepatitis C: There is no cure for hepatitis C, but there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease and prevent complications. These treatments include antiviral medications.
Prevention of Hepatitis During Pregnancy
There are several things that pregnant women can do to help prevent hepatitis:
* Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. The hepatitis A vaccine and the hepatitis B vaccine are safe and effective for pregnant women.
* Avoid contact with contaminated food and water. This means washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, cooking meat and fish thoroughly, and avoiding unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
* Avoid contact with infected blood and bodily fluids. This means using condoms during sex, not sharing needles, and getting tattoos or piercings only from licensed professionals.
* Get tested for hepatitis if you are at risk. If you are pregnant and you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
Hepatitis and Pregnancy Outcomes
Hepatitis during pregnancy can increase the risk of several complications, including:
* Premature birth: Hepatitis can increase the risk of premature birth, which is when a baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation.
* Low birth weight: Hepatitis can increase the risk of low birth weight, which is when a baby is born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces.
* Stillbirth: Hepatitis can increase the risk of stillbirth, which is when a baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of gestation.
* Birth defects: Hepatitis can increase the risk of birth defects, such as heart defects, neural tube defects, and limb defects.