According to Dr. Tejashri Shrotri - Senior Consultant ( Obstetrics and Gynecology) at Apollo Cradle & Children's Hospital - Chirag Enclave, New Delhi (India), hepatitis is a condition of liver inflammation that can be caused by many different reasons such as viruses, alcohol abuse, exposure to toxins, medications or medical disorders. Of these, viral hepatitis is the most common cause and can be divided into the following types: A, B, C, D, E and GL.
For pregnant women, hepatitis not only affects the mother's health but also poses many potential risks to the fetus, especially if not detected and treated promptly.
How does hepatitis affect pregnant women?
Hepatitis A (HAV)
Hepatitis A is transmitted through the digestive tract due to unsanitary eating, often causing mild hepatitis and being less dangerous for pregnant women. Keeping hygienic and using clean water is an effective preventative measure.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
hepatitis B is one of the biggest concerns during pregnancy because it can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. hepatitis B virus can exist in blood, saliva, vaginal fluid, statins and be transmitted through needles, tattoos, unsafe sex or contact with infected blood.
Pregnant women infected with HBV should maintain antiviral drugs throughout pregnancy and after giving birth if necessary. If left untreated, newborns can develop chronic hepatitis with dangerous complications.
Symptoms in pregnant women often include:
Fatigue, nausea, vomiting
Abdominal pain or discomfort in the liver
Dark urine
Mild fever, joint pain
Hepatitis E (HEV)
hepatitis E is the most dangerous form for pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimester. HEV can lead to acute liver failure, miscarriage, or even death in the mother. This type of virus is transmitted through the digestive tract and the blood.
Dangerous complications for mother and baby
Hepatitis during pregnancy can cause complications such as:
Premature birth.
Thai is dead.
Abortion.
Sudden increased liver enzymes.
Risk of postpartum bleeding.
For mothers, if hepatitis progresses to acute hepatitis, it can lead to liver failure, blood clotting disorder, and even death if not treated promptly.
Prevention and care for hepatitis during pregnancy
Early testing: should check for hepatitis B and C before or during pregnancy for timely monitoring and treatment.
Vaccination: Hepatitis A and B have safe vaccines. The hepatitis B vaccine can be given during pregnancy if necessary, as prescribed by a doctor.
Treatment: If the mother has hepatitis B and has a high viral load, the doctor may give her medicine for the last 3 months. Babies born need to be vaccinated and given antibodies within 12 hours of birth.
Care: Pregnant women should rest, eat healthy, avoid alcohol and drugs of unknown origin. Regular check-ups to monitor liver health.
