Meds During Pregnancy and After

[superstar11]

Hello,

Unfortunately, I found out after I got pregnant that I am HBV positive. I am told that I have chronic HBV and probably got it from my mother. All of this is very new and scary to me. I recently went to a liver specialist and she told me that my viral load is high and my ALT is also high. She suggested that the next time we meet we talk about going on medications, possibly in the 2nd trimester to lower the viral load and hence lower the chances of infection to my child. I am so scared. I can't find a lot of information online on treatment during pregnancy. The other thing that I'm scared about is breastfeeding after giving birth. I am told that it is okay to breastfeed even if you are HBV positive. My concern is this; I did some research and found that it is not good to stop medication. Will the medication that I will take during pregnancy harm my baby while I am breastfeeding? I found only one place online that even mentioned this and they said not to take it during breastfeeding. Please help! I am terrified and I don't really want to be a statistic because my doctor thinks it might be okay. I would like to know if anyone else has any input in this area or where I might find information. Thank you.

[HepBMoms]

Hello Superstar11,

There are certain medications that are safe in pregnancy. You should talk to your liver specialist (also known as a hepatologist) to discuss which ones are appropriate for you. Breastfeeding is safe for your baby. Make sure that your infant gets 2 shots (the HBIg and the first shot of the HBV vaccine) within 12 hours of birth. Then, make sure that you follow up with the 2nd and 3rd doses at 1 and 6 months. Additionally, the rest of your family should be screened for hepatitis B and vaccinated if they are not already protected.

Please be assured that you are asking the right questions to protect your child and you will not become a statistic!

Warm Regards,
Chrissy