What You Need to Know to Keep You and Your Baby Healthy
Good news: With proper care, we can protect your baby and support your health throughout pregnancy.
Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver.
Some people clear the infection on their own. Others carry it long-term (chronic infection).
• Contact with infected blood
• Sexual contact
• Birth (mother to baby)
• Many people have no symptoms
• You can't tell by looking
• That's why we test everyone
Testing helps us identify who needs extra care and protection for their baby.
We test at your first prenatal visit—it's routine care.
This gives us time to plan and protect your baby before delivery.
We check three things in your blood:
| Test | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| HBsAg (Surface Antigen) |
Shows if you currently have hepatitis B |
| Anti-HBs (Surface Antibody) |
Shows if you're protected (from vaccine or past infection) |
| Anti-HBc (Core Antibody) |
Shows if you've ever been exposed |
Your doctor will explain what your specific results mean for you.
We'll do additional tests to understand your specific situation:
Measures the amount of virus in your blood (HBV DNA).
Higher amounts may need medication to protect baby.
Checks how well your liver is working.
Helps us monitor your health during pregnancy.
Remember: Having hepatitis B doesn't mean you can't have a healthy pregnancy. We'll work together to keep you both safe.
If your viral load is high, we may recommend medication in the third trimester.
When: Usually starts between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy
Why: Lowers the amount of virus, reducing the chance of passing it to baby
Medicine: Tenofovir (TDF) is safe and effective during pregnancy
This medication has been used safely in thousands of pregnancies. Your care team will discuss benefits and answer your questions.
Your baby will receive two things within 12 hours of birth:
First dose of the vaccine series.
Helps baby's immune system protect itself.
Provides immediate protection.
Works right away while vaccine builds immunity.
These two steps together are 95% effective at preventing transmission to your baby. If you received medication, protection is even higher.
Yes. Vaginal delivery is safe when baby receives protection at birth.
You do not need a cesarean section just because you have hepatitis B.
Your delivery plan will be based on your overall health and your baby's health—just like any other pregnancy.
Yes. Breastfeeding is safe and encouraged.
If your nipples crack or bleed, check with your doctor—we'll help you continue safely.
Important: Your liver needs monitoring after delivery. Hormone changes can affect how your body manages the virus.
• Liver function tests (ALT)
• Every 3-6 months at first
• More often if needed
• Connection to liver specialist
• Regular monitoring for life
• Treatment if needed
We'll help you connect with the right doctors for ongoing care.
Your baby will need to complete the vaccine series and be tested:
Your baby's pediatrician will track this schedule. Keep them informed about your hepatitis B status.
Hepatitis B can spread through close contact. Let's protect your whole household.
• Get tested for hepatitis B
• Get vaccinated if not immune
• Complete the 3-dose series
• Don't share razors or toothbrushes
• Cover any cuts or sores
• Regular household contact is safe
Future children should be vaccinated at birth, just like this baby.
Most people with hepatitis B have healthy pregnancies. We monitor closely to catch any issues early.
That's fine. Baby still gets the same protection at birth.
Yes. We'll use the same protective approach for future pregnancies.
It's your private medical information. Share with healthcare providers and close contacts who may need testing.
Manages your pregnancy and coordinates care
Specialist care if needed for high-risk monitoring
Long-term care for your liver health
We're all working together with one goal: a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
You are not alone in this. Hepatitis B during pregnancy is something we manage successfully every day. With proper monitoring, medication when needed, and protection for your baby at birth, most babies born to mothers with hepatitis B stay healthy.
Your care team will guide you through each step. Ask questions anytime.
Never hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you.