Can my child get Hepatitis B if I am infected?

Yes, the Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during childbirth, making infants born to mothers carrying the virus one of the groups at the highest risk of infection [1]. Without precise medical preventative measures, a significant proportion of these children may develop an infection that can progress into a lifelong chronic hepatitis condition [3]. Therefore, screening all pregnant women for Hepatitis B is a routine and necessary procedure in prenatal care to ensure the newborn is protected immediately upon birth [2].

Necessary Preventative Measures After Birth

To protect the child from transmission, there are standardized preventative protocols that must be followed strictly. If the mother is infected with Hepatitis B, the newborn must receive special care within the first 12 hours after birth to prevent the infection from developing [3]:

• Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG) Injection: The infant must receive this injection immediately after birth; it acts as antibodies providing fast and direct protection against the virus [1].
• Hepatitis B Vaccine: The infant must receive the first dose of the vaccine within those first few hours, with the necessity of completing the three-dose vaccination series by the age of 6 to 18 months to ensure long-term protection [3].

This therapeutic combination is the approved gold standard for preventing the transmission of the virus from mother to child [3].

Why Early Prevention is Crucial for the Child

The primary risk lies in the fact that acquiring Hepatitis B at an early age, especially at birth, significantly increases the likelihood of progressing to chronic infection compared to contracting it in adulthood [3]. Chronic hepatitis, in the absence of continuous medical monitoring, may lead over decades to serious health complications, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure [2].

Medical Follow-up and Aftercare

After receiving the preventative doses, it is essential to adhere to follow-up care with a pediatric specialist to perform periodic blood tests. These tests are necessary to confirm the success of the preventative measures and that the child has not acquired the infection, ensuring their health and well-being [2]. You can read more details about the complications of chronic infection and the importance of immunization by visiting Hepatitis B: Understanding Chronic Infection and the Importance of Vaccination (Arabic).

If you are diagnosed with Hepatitis B during pregnancy, you must coordinate with your healthcare team to develop a birth plan that includes preventative measures for the newborn. Avoid using any herbal remedies or medications not prescribed by your specialist, as some may pose an additional risk to liver function. In case of symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) or severe abdominal pain, you must see a doctor urgently to evaluate the condition [1], [2].

Medical references

• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis B Basics
• Hepatitis B