Hepatitis B and Pregnancy

Hepatitis B is a highly contagious liver disease that currently has no cure. Once infected, it can only be controlled through medication. However, hepatitis B is preventable, and as long as there are antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigens in the body, there is no need to worry about contracting the virus. Some women may discover during pre-pregnancy screenings that they do not have antibodies against hepatitis B, leading to concerns about the impact on a normal pregnancy. So, can a woman become pregnant without antibodies against hepatitis B? What should she do? Let's take a look below.

Can a Woman Become Pregnant Without Antibodies Against Hepatitis B? What Should She Do?

Pregnancy is not related to the presence or absence of antibodies against hepatitis B. Having antibodies against hepatitis B during pregnancy means that there is no need to worry about contracting the virus during this period, thereby preventing the fetus from being infected with hepatitis B in utero. As we all know, hepatitis B can be transmitted through mother-to-child transmission, blood and blood products, damaged skin and mucous membranes, and sexual contact. If there is no urgency to conceive or if a woman is preparing for pregnancy, it is advisable to receive a hepatitis B vaccine at a vaccination center before becoming pregnant. The three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine can be completed within a year, although it is also possible to receive only one dose, although the effectiveness may not be optimal. If a woman is already pregnant and does not have antibodies, it is generally not recommended to receive the hepatitis B vaccine during pregnancy as it may have adverse effects on both the mother and the fetus. Pregnant women without antibodies against hepatitis B are at a higher risk of contracting the virus, so they should be cautious and avoid contact with individuals infected with hepatitis B. This is not meant to discriminate against hepatitis B patients but is done for the safety of both the mother and the fetus. After childbirth, it is recommended to receive the hepatitis B vaccine at a vaccination center. However, it is also acceptable to not receive the vaccine, although the risk of contracting hepatitis B may be higher. If a woman can be cautious and take necessary precautions, she may choose not to receive the vaccine.

What Are Antibodies Against Hepatitis B?

There are different interpretations of antibodies against hepatitis B. Firstly, they may refer to protective antibodies against the virus. Protective antibodies refer to the second item in the hepatitis B five-item test, which is the surface antibody produced against hepatitis B surface antigens. Receiving the hepatitis B vaccine can turn the surface antibody positive, effectively preventing the transmission of hepatitis B virus. Additionally, there are two other antibodies in the hepatitis B five-item test, namely E antibodies and core antibodies. These two antibodies are not protective against hepatitis B and instead indicate the status of hepatitis B virus infection. If the surface antigen is negative, it suggests that the individual has previously been infected with hepatitis B but has recovered. In this case, further examination is needed to determine the quantity of hepatitis B virus and exclude the possibility of occult hepatitis B. If the virus is detected, further treatment is required.