Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) test should be done during pregnancy. Even though there are 10 – 20% chances of passing the infection to your baby, you should not take the risk. Follow your doctor’s advice.Hepatitis B virus test is done to check the substance in the blood to determine whether a
hepatitis B infection is active or had occurred in the past. Tests are done with the help of infected body fluids like blood, vaginal fluids and semen. If the mother is infected during
pregnancy with hepatitis B, it can also be transmitted to the child at or near the time of birth. There are different types of tests done to check whether the Hepatitis B virus is present or not.
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is liver inflammation which is caused due to the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). There are 4 more types of viruses that cause Hepatitis A, C, D and E. The most important thing about Hepatitis B is that if it is not treated on time, it may cause deaths as well.
Prevention of HBV infection
The best way to prevent HBV is to take hepatitis B vaccine. It is relatively inexpensive and safe for all. It is recommended for
- All infants at the time of birth
- Any adult or child who has not received this vaccination
- Adults who are treated for any sexually transmitted disease
- People who have more than one sex partners
- HIV positive individuals
- Men who have sex with men
- People who come in contact with different types of bloods
Pregnant women and hepatitis B virus test
Every pregnant woman, when she comes for
first prenatal visit to the doctor, gets suggested for few blood
tests. One of these tests is for
Hepatitis B test also. The main reason is that this disease can cause severe illness, liver damage and even cause death.
There are many people who are carriers of this virus but since they have no symptoms, they do not know that they are carriers. The only thing is that if you are among these people, you carry the risk of transmitting this disease to your child. If you are infected with hepatitis B virus, your child will have to be provided apt medical attention immediately after his birth.
When should the hepatitis B test be taken?
This disease is generally tested in the
fifth month of pregnancy. If the test results indicate that you do have hepatitis B, it is possible for your doctors to treat your baby right at birth, so that future complications are prevented.
Even if you get the test negative, but you have not been vaccinated yet, your medical practitioner will recommend you to get the hepatitis B vaccine. This becomes all the more important if you are at high risk for contracting the disease. The best thing is that the vaccination is safe for the pregnant woman and the developing baby as well.
Symptoms of hepatitis B Virus
- Fatigue - This is one of the most common symptoms if you carry hepatitis B virus. You will feel very tired.
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
Precautions after you test positive
Usually the doctor will go for some further tests and investigate to get additional information. Since liver gets infected due to this virus, it is important to find out the real condition of the liver. You will be immunized so that your problem does not get intense. If your liver is affected, you will have to avoid alcohol even after childbirth.
You will have to go through some recurring tests and evaluations. All the members in your family must get tested for the virus. There will be no problem while giving birth due to this virus and you can also breastfeed your child after birth. Just make sure that your nipple is free from crack and never bleeds.
The child gets treated by a medical team immediately after the birth. He will be given the first shot of vaccination immediately and second and third as per your doctor’s advice.
What are the risks associated with hepatitis B virus infection during pregnancy? When is hepatitis B test done during pregnancy? What precautions should be taken if hepatitis B test is positive during pregnancy? Discusshere.