Is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It is transmitted via sexual contact or blood transfusion. All pregnant women in the US are screened for Hepatitis B when they register at their prenatal clinic. A blood test will be done during your first visit at the prenatal clinic. It takes a relatively long time from when you are infected until symptoms present, between two to six months. Half of those who are infected show no symptoms. The first symptoms are normally headaches, fever, body aches and nausea. In some people, their skin turns a shade of yellow. A severe infection during pregnancy can pass to the baby and, in the worst case, lead to a miscarriage. Your baby can also be infected during childbirth and, if you have hepatitis B, your newborn will be vaccinated immediately after it is born to protect your baby. The infection is treated with antiviral drugs prescribed by a physician.
If you need medical attention, it is important that you tell your healthcare provider that you have hepatitis B. You can get sick only once and, if you have had hepatitis B you are immune to the disease. However, there is a form of chronic hepatitis and, if you have that form, your pregnancy will be carefully monitored. The best way to protect against hepatitis B is to get vaccinated before you get pregnant.
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