What are the effects of hepatitis B infection in pregnant women?

Question
Hello doctor,
I am pregnant and have hepatitis B. So the doctor asked me what are the effects of pregnant women with hepatitis B? Thank you doctor.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc (1995)
Answer
Answered by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Nhat - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine, Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Hello,
With the question “What are the effects of pregnant women with hepatitis B? ”, the doctor would like to answer as follows:
Hepatitis B infection during pregnancy is usually not serious and is not associated with increased mortality or increased teratogenicity. Therefore, HBV infection during pregnancy does not need to be considered for termination of pregnancy. However, there have been reports of increased rates of low birth weight and preterm birth in infants born to mothers with acute HBV infection.
When a mother has hepatitis B during pregnancy, there is a 90%-95% risk of transmitting hepatitis B virus to her baby if the mother has a high hepatitis B viral load and is HBeAg positive. Therefore, when the mother is 24 - 26 weeks pregnant, it is necessary to have a viral load of hepatitis B and HBeAg to have an indication for hepatitis B antiviral drugs and to prevent hepatitis B virus transmission to the baby if indicated. Therefore, if you have hepatitis B during pregnancy, from 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy, you need to see an Infectious Disease specialist for in-depth advice.
If you still have questions about pregnant women with hepatitis B, you can go to a hospital of Vinmec Health System for further testing and advice. Thank you for trusting and sending questions to Vinmec. Wishing you lots of health.
Best regards!