- What tests should the mother do
- Treatment of hepatitis C in pregnancy
- How to tell if your baby has been infected
- Is it possible to breastfeed while having hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C in pregnancy can be transmitted to the baby at the time of normal delivery, however it is very rare for this to happen. Even so, the ideal is that women who intend to become pregnant talk to the doctor in order to carry out, in due time, the examinations necessary to promote a risk-free pregnancy.
In addition, the doctor can instruct the pregnant woman to be more careful with feeding to try to strengthen her immune system so that the viral load in the blood decreases and the risk of transmission to the baby is even less. See what to eat to achieve this goal.
What tests should the mother do
Prenatal care should start about 6 months before a woman becomes pregnant and should be done by a doctor experienced in following pregnant women with hepatitis C and other infectious diseases. The doctor must evaluate the clinical history, previous and obstetric medical history and must carry out a complete physical examination, in order to know the stage and phase of the disease or to see if there are signs and symptoms of liver failure.
The doctor should also advise against taking medications that are toxic to the liver, even if they are natural, advise the woman on weight control and do not share toothbrushes, razors or other hygiene products that may have blood and inform about the risk of sexual transmission, even though it is low.
Women with hepatitis C virus infection should also be immunized against hepatitis A and B, and should discontinue treatment with interferon and ribavirin at least 6 months before trying to become pregnant due to the teratogenicity of ribavirin. Women with chronic hepatitis C generally have a problem-free pregnancy, as long as the liver disease is stable and has not progressed to cirrhosis.
In addition to the usual pregnancy assessment, some specific tests, such as measurement of transaminases, albumin, bilirubin, coagulation study, anti-Hepatitis B antibody, total anti-Hepatitis A antibody and PCR for RNA of the hepatitis B virus. During the course of pregnancy, liver function tests should be performed every trimester.
Treatment of hepatitis C in pregnancy
There is no safe treatment for hepatitis C virus infection during pregnancy. Treatment with medications such as interferon and ribavirin cannot be carried out during pregnancy or in the 6 months before pregnancy.
How to tell if your baby has been infected
Usually the results for the tests are negative in the first months of life due to the antibodies that the baby received from the mother and, therefore, between 15 and 24 months of life the pediatrician can request tests to check if the baby has been infected. ALT levels are higher in the first 2 years of life and decrease over time, until they can rise again between 20 and 30 years.
Normally babies infected with the hepatitis C virus have no symptoms and have a normal development, but they have a higher risk of liver complications during adulthood and therefore should have blood tests regularly to assess liver function and prevent consumption of alcoholic beverages throughout life.
Is it possible to breastfeed while having hepatitis C?
There are no contraindications for breastfeeding, except in situations of HIV co-infection. However, if the nipples are cracked and release blood, care must be taken because in these cases there is a risk of contamination, so nipple integrity must be promoted. See tips to ensure the baby's good grip and avoid cracked nipples.
