On the journey of conceiving a new life, every expectant mother wants her baby to grow up healthy. However, when the hepatitis B virus (HBV) becomes part of this journey, many potential concerns and questions arise. What does hepatitis B, the virus that is widespread in our society, mean for pregnant women and their unborn children? The good news is that with the right management and prevention, even people with hepatitis B can have a healthy baby.
The ABCs of hepatitis B: the basics decoded
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a virus that can be transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids. It attacks the liver and can lead to chronic diseases and even liver cancer. Globally, hundreds of millions of people are carriers of the hepatitis B virus, making it a global public health problem.
Hepatitis B during pregnancy: a double challenge
The situation becomes even more complicated when hepatitis B meets pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman's immune system naturally decreases to avoid attacking the fetus, which may increase hepatitis B virus activity. Therefore, surveillance for hepatitis B virus during pregnancy becomes particularly important.
Far-reaching: The effects of hepatitis B on pregnancy and the fetus
The hepatitis B virus can pose a risk to both a pregnant woman and her baby. The virus can increase the risk of abnormal liver function in pregnant women, and the greatest risk to the fetus is mother-to-child transmission – up to 90% of hepatitis B-positive mothers can pass the virus to their children without proper precautions.
Management & Monitoring: Key Steps
For pregnant women who are hepatitis B positive, regular liver function tests and viral load monitoring are essential. These data can help doctors assess the potential risk of hepatitis B to both mother and fetus and develop strategies to manage it accordingly.
Managing hepatitis B while trying to conceive: a blueprint for health
Hepatitis B understands that it is the first thing to prepare for pregnancy
Trying to conceive is a time of hope and planning for any family. For people living with hepatitis B, it is especially important to understand the impact of hepatitis B on fertility. First of all, a comprehensive hepatitis B virus test, including hepatitis B surface antigen, e antigen, viral DNA quantification, etc., is the key to determine the viral activity and degree of infection. In addition, knowing one's liver function status, such as ALT and AST levels, can help assess liver health.
Lifestyle adjustments
Preparing for pregnancy is not only a physical preparation, but also a lifestyle adjustment. For people living with hepatitis B virus, a healthy diet and moderate physical activity can promote liver health and reduce viral activity. Avoiding alcohol and high-fat diets and increasing your intake of foods rich in protein and fiber can help keep your liver healthy. In addition, moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking and swimming, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of liver disease.
Medical monitoring and intervention
While trying to conceive, you may need antiviral therapy in close cooperation with your doctor, depending on viral activity and liver function status. Currently, there are a variety of antiviral drugs available to treat hepatitis B to reduce the replication of the virus in the body and reduce the risk of transmission to children. Regular medical examinations, including monitoring of viral load and liver function, are essential to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
Surveillance and management of hepatitis B during pregnancy: Ensuring the safety of mothers and babies
Ongoing hepatitis B surveillance
Surveillance for hepatitis B virus becomes even more important during pregnancy. Regular testing of hepatitis B virus DNA levels can help doctors assess the potential risk of the virus to pregnant women and fetuses. In addition, liver function tests, such as ALT and AST levels, should be done as part of routine checkups to monitor liver health.
Safe drug use
During pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, certain antiviral drugs may pose a potential risk to the fetus. Therefore, antiviral drugs must be used under the guidance of a doctor. Some drugs have been shown to be safe during pregnancy and can be effective in reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission, but the trade-offs must be weighed to ensure the safety of the mother and fetus.
Strategies to prevent mother-to-child transmission
To reduce the risk of hepatitis B being transmitted from mother to newborn, it is important to take precautions. Hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin are one of the effective means of preventing mother-to-child transmission. In addition, avoiding mother-to-child blood-to-blood contact during delivery, such as cleansing of the birth canal during caesarean section and vaginal delivery, is also an important measure to reduce the risk of transmission.
Mental health concerns
In addition to physical health, people living with hepatitis B virus need to pay attention to their mental health during pregnancy and pregnancy. Facing the risks that HBV may pose to the fetus, as well as the discomfort during treatment, can cause anxiety and stress to expectant mothers. Therefore, seeking psychological support in a timely manner and communicating with family, friends, or a professional psychologist is essential to reduce anxiety and maintain emotional stability.