Your baby should be tested 3 to 12 months after completing the hepatitis B vaccinations, to confirm that the vaccines have worked and your child is protected.
Is it ok to breastfeed? Yes, breastfeeding is safe for your baby if your baby has received the treatment above.
What about my family? Hepatitis B can be transmitted via unprotected sex and blood to blood contact. It can also be spread through sharing items that may be contaminated with small amounts of blood, such as toothbrushes, clippers and razors. Make sure all your family members are tested for hepatitis B and vaccinated if they are not immune. If you have chronic hepatitis B, vaccination is free for people living in your household. Call 1800 437 222 for more information.
How can I take care of myself? If you have hepatitis B, it is recommended that you get vaccinated against hepatitis A once your baby is born. You should also limit alcohol consumption. Remember, no amount of alcohol consumption is safe during pregnancy. It is recommended that your liver is monitored at least every six months with blood tests. Your doctor may also arrange special scans of your liver. While you are pregnant, your doctor may request blood tests more frequently.
More Information Hepatitis SA Helpline 1800 437 222 www.hepsa.asn.au
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PO Box 782, Kent Town SA 5071
Developed in consultation with the Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Women's and Children's Hospital. Last update: May 2017
SA Health has contributed funds to this program
Hepatitis B
How to Protect Baby
What is hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver which can over many years lead to severe scarring in the liver (cirrhosis) and sometimes even liver failure or cancer. In Australia, about 380 people die each year from chronic (long-term) hepatitis B.
is usually only needed at certain stages of the infection. Most people are at stages where they don't need treatment but things can change quickly. Your doctor will consider whether treatment is right for you at this time.
Most people with chronic hepatitis B have no symptoms. All pregnant women in Australia are tested to see if they have chronic hepatitis B so that appropriate steps can be taken to protect their child should the need arise.
If I have hepatitis B, do I need treatment? Everyone with hepatitis B needs regular check-ups. Hepatitis B can be treated with medicine to control the virus but medicine
Can I protect my baby from getting hepatitis B? To give baby the best protection against hepatitis B all newborn babies of mothers with hepatitis B are given a Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) injection and a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine within the first 12 hours of birth. This should be followed by three more doses of the vaccine within the next 6 months. This vaccination schedule is the same for all babies born in Australia.
Why are pregnant women tested for hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy and birth. Nine out of 10 newborns infected with hepatitis B will develop chronic hepatitis B. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent your baby from becoming infected.
If a treatment is prescribed for you, ask your doctor for information about the medicine, your pregnancy and whether it affects breastfeeding.
Sometimes, when the virus level in the blood is very high during pregnancy, a specialist may prescribe a medicine for your hepatitis B, to take during your pregnancy. This medicine (tenofovir or telbivudine) is taken orally, every day. It reduces the virus in your blood, protects your liver from ongoing damage and helps to prevent your baby from being infected with hepatitis B. Illustrations ©Adil Soh-Lim
When
Infant born to mother with chronic hepatitis B should receive:
At birth (within 12 hours)
- Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) - Birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
2 months
2nd dose of hepatitis B vaccine
4 months
3rd dose of hepatitis B vaccine
6 months
4th dose of hepatitis B vaccine
It is important that your child complete the hepatitis B vaccination course on time. This will be highly effective in protecting your baby against hepatitis B.