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Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted From Mother To Fetus?

Posted on Fri, 25 Apr 2014

Question: I am hepatitis B positive and my wife is pregnant, will our child also be hepatitis B positive ?

Answered by Dr. Som Biswas (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes there is possibility. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns. Yes there is a strong possibility. This occurs because you could have infected your wife during intercourse and then it will get transmitted to your children via her blood to her baby. I will advice her to get hepatitis b antigen tested and if it comes positive then there is a high chance that your child will have Hep B But if she comes negative tell her to get vaccinated immediately as you can still protect your child. Feel free to consult me directly http://bit.ly/drsombiswas Regards Dr. Som Biswas M.D. Mumbai

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Som Biswas (9 minutes later)

If she tests positive, then what can be done?

Answered by Dr. Som Biswas (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Baby will need shots immediately after delivery. Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXX Thank you for your query. If she tests positive she generally will not have any complications in pregnancy to herself. Only liver function tests need to be done routinely to monitor her liver function. But your newborn must be given two shots immediately in the delivery room: First dose of the hepatitis B vaccine One dose of the Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG). If these two medications are given correctly within the first 12 hours of life, a newborn has more than a 90% chance of being protected against a lifelong hepatitis B infection. You must make sure your baby receives the second and third dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at one and six months of age to ensure complete protection. There is no second chance to protect your newborn baby! Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Som Biswas (54 minutes later)

Is this the only way to save the baby? In worst case what complication would the baby have later in the life if the shots did not work?

Answered by Dr. Som Biswas (12 hours later)

Brief Answer: Yes you have to give shots to him. Detailed Answer: Dear XXXX, Yes this is the only way if your wife's test comes positive. If you do not give the injections to your child ( which is not at all advisable) he will be Hep B positive. Then later in life he has a chance of developing liver disease and failure or even liver cancer. Do not do this . Get the shots. Regards,

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D