Hepatitis B is a major health issue in the world today, especially because it can be transmitted from mother to child during birth. This transmission route is one of the most common ways through which babies get infected with the virus, and if not well treated, it can lead to long-term health complications. In this blog, we will discuss what is Hepatitis, how it is transmitted, Hepatitis B symptoms, the risks associated with it, and how to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is an illness that is caused by a virus that targets the liver and results in both acute and chronic conditions. It is one of the five types of viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E), but Hepatitis B is especially hazardous because it can cause chronic infection. If not treated, chronic infection may result in liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. The WHO estimates that millions of people are living with Hepatitis B infection across the globe.
Transmission mainly takes place through contact with the infected body fluids like blood, semen, or vaginal secretions. One of the main routes of transmission is from mother to the baby during delivery, which we shall discuss in detail.
How is Hepatitis B Transmitted from Mother to Baby?
Hepatitis B can be transmitted from mother to child during labor or at the time of delivery. The chances of passing the virus to the baby are also higher if the mother is having a high viral load, which means that the virus is present in large quantities in the blood of the mother. In fact, if a pregnant woman has an active Hepatitis B infection and the virus is not well controlled during pregnancy, there is a high likelihood that the baby will be infected at birth.
Why Transmission from Mother to Baby so Common?
Hepatitis B is a very contagious disease, and it spreads very easily. When the baby is being delivered, he or she can be in contact with the mother’s blood and other body fluids, which puts him or her at risk of getting the virus. If adequate measures are not taken, for instance, giving antiviral drugs to the mother or vaccinating the baby soon after birth, the virus can easily be transmitted.
Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis B in Women and Newborns
Hepatitis B symptoms in women may differ from one woman to another. Most of the women with Hepatitis B are usually not aware of their status, as they are not sick in any way. This is a challenge because they may transmit the virus to their child without knowing it. However, some women may complain of symptoms such as:
- Pain in the abdominal region, especially the right hypochondriac region Fatigue
- Jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Dark urine can also be one of the Hepatitis B symptoms in women
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
Hepatitis B Symptoms in Newborns
Newborns might not display any Hepatitis B symptoms at all. In fact, the majority of the babies with Hepatitis B at birth will not develop symptoms in infancy. However, the virus can stay in their bodies and cause chronic Hepatitis B that may cause severe liver disease in the future.
Hepatitis B: Causes and Risk Factors
Hepatitis B causes include direct contact with infected bodily fluids. In the case of mother-to-child transmission, the main risk factor is the infection of the mother. The chances of passing the virus to the baby depend on the viral load of the mother and her Hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) status. HBeAg positive women are more likely to transmit the virus to the baby than HBeAg negative women.
Other common Hepatitis B causes include:
- Sexual contact without protection with an infected person
- Sharing needles or syringes
- Transfusion of blood products containing the virus (although this is not very common today because of the screening done before blood transfusion).
- Direct physical contact with the infected person particularly if there are cuts or sores in the process.
Is Hepatitis B Curable?
For mothers, antiviral medications during pregnancy can help decrease the viral load, which in turn decreases the chances of passing the virus to the baby. Newborns of Hepatitis B infected mothers should be administered with the Hepatitis B vaccine and Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth. This combination is very effective in preventing the infection in newborns from developing the infection.
In the case of adults, chronic Hepatitis B can be treated with entecavir, tenofovir or lamivudine which are antiviral drugs. These drugs assist in decreasing the amount of the virus in the body, decrease the chances of liver deterioration, and avoid the development of cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Preventing Mother-to-Baby Transmission
The best way to avoid transmission from mother to baby is to act early. Hepatitis B should be tested for in pregnant women during their antenatal clinic visits. If they are positive, their physicians will check the viral load and advise on the right measures to minimize the spread of the virus.
All newborns should be vaccinated with Hepatitis B after birth, irrespective of the Hepatitis B status of the mother. This vaccine is usually given in three or four doses, which gives long-term protection against the disease.
Chronic Hepatitis B Infection in Newborns: Long-Term Consequences
If left untreated, babies who are born with Hepatitis B are likely to have chronic Hepatitis B infection, which is a lifelong infection and may cause complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. These risks can be minimized by early diagnosis and by undergoing Hepatitis B treatment.
One has to understand that most babies who get infected with Hepatitis B are usually asymptomatic in the initial stages. However, if the infection is not treated, the virus can quietly injure the liver for many years.
Conclusion
Transmission of Hepatitis B from mother to baby is a big issue, but it is avoidable. If the disease is detected early and treated, or if the people are vaccinated, then the likelihood of passing the virus is minimized. It should be screened in pregnant women, and those who are positive should undergo the Hepatitis B treatment to avoid passing the disease to their newborns. Even though there may not be any Hepatitis B symptoms, it is important to know what is Hepatitis and what its risk factors are to prevent the virus from reaching the next generation.