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. Therefore, it is ideal for women who wish to become pregnant to speak with their doctors so that they can carry out the necessary examinations in advance to promote a risk-free pregnancy.
In addition, the doctor can guide the pregnant woman to take greater care with food to try to strengthen her immune system so that the blood viral load decreases and the risk of transmission to the baby is even lower. See what to eat to achieve this goal.
What tests should the mother do
Prenatal care should begin about 6 months before the woman becomes pregnant and should be done by a physician experienced in following up with pregnant women with hepatitis C and other infectious diseases. The physician should evaluate the medical history, previous medical history and obstetric history and should perform a complete physical examination, to know the stage and stage of the disease or to see if there are signs and symptoms of liver failure.
The physician should also advise against taking drugs that are toxic to the liver, even if they are natural, advise the woman on weight control and not share toothbrushes, blades or other hygiene products that may have blood and 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 for at least 6 months before attempting to conceive 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 assessment of pregnancy, some specific tests, such as measurement of transaminases, albumin, bilirubin, coagulation study, anti-Hepatitis B antibody, total anti-Hepatitis A antibody and PCR for hepatitis B virus. During 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 medicines such as interferon and ribavirin can not be performed during pregnancy or in the 6 months before pregnancy.
How to know if the baby has been contaminated
Normally the test results 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 age the pediatrician can request tests to check if the baby has been contaminated. ALT levels are higher in the first 2 years of life and decrease over time until they can rise again in their 20s and 30s.
Babies who are infected with the hepatitis C virus usually have no symptoms and develop normal but are at increased risk for liver complications during adulthood and therefore should have blood tests regularly to assess liver function and prevent liver disease. consumption of alcoholic beverages throughout life.
Is it possible to breastfeed taking hepatitis C?
There are no contraindications to 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 should be promoted. See tips to ensure baby's good grip and avoid cracked nipples.
