hepatitis B in pregnancy

Last reviewed 02/2021

Hepatitis B infection in pregnancy is associated with a 20% increase in preterm delivery. There is a 1.8% chance of mortality.

70 to 90% of mothers who are HBeAG positive but HBeAb negative will transmit HBV to their offspring. The risk of vertical transmission is greatest in the third trimester.

• advice from the UK National Screening Committee on antenatal screening for hepatitis B..click here