HEP C, PREGNANCY & BABIES

CAN I HAVE A BABY IF I HAVE HEP C?

Hep C usually won’t affect your ability to become pregnant.

Testing For Hep C When You Are Pregnant

When you're pregnant, you'll probably be given a lot of tests. One of these will probably be for hep C.

The first hep C test (antibody test) will tell if you've ever had hep C. If the first test comes back positive, you'll be asked to take another test.

The second hep C test (PCR or HCV DNA test) will tell if you have hep C now. Your doctor or nurse will then work with you to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible during your pregnancy and birth.

HOW IS HEP C PASSED ONTO BABIES?

Most babies are not at risk of catching their mum’s hep C. A very small number of babies might be born with hep C. Of all pregnant mums with hep C, less than 6 in 100 babies will be born with hep C.

Hep C is passed on through blood-toblood contact. If a baby is born with hep C it will have been passed on either in the womb or during child-birth.

Breastfeeding

Hep C is not passed onto your baby through breastmilk. Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed whether or not they have hep C.

If your nipples are cracked and bleeding, stop breastfeeding until they are healed.

When To Test A Baby For Hep C

Your baby only needs to be tested for hep C if you had hep C while you were pregnant. Your baby can be PCR tested at 8 weeks and then 14 weeks old. This'll show if your baby has hep C at the time of the tests.

WHAT IF MY BABY IS BORN WITH HEP C?

If a baby is born with hep C, there's a 50% chance of clearing their infection naturally. This'll happen by the time your baby is 1 year old.

CAN I HAVE HEP C TREATMENT DURING PREGNANCY?

Hep C DAA treatment of pregnant women, or women who are breast-feeding, is not advised. The usual recommendation is to wait 4 weeks after treatment ends before trying to become pregnant.