New Delhi: Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by viral infection. In India, around 40 million people are infected with hepatitis B and six to 12 million people are severely infected with hepatitis C. According to the most recent report, Delhi has noticed a major spike in Hepatitis A cases in the past two months. Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus that is commonly spread through the consumption of contaminated food, and water, poor personal hygiene, enough sanitation or direct contact with an infected person. Viral hepatitis is the most common cause of jaundice during pregnancy.
Hepatitis is a common occurrence in pregnant women. Let’s understand the impact of viral hepatitis during pregnancy. Timely intervention is key to overcoming health challenges for the new mother and the baby.
“There are five types of hepatitis which include A, B, C, D, and E. The most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, and the lesser known are De and E. These viruses can be transmitted through contaminated food and water, unsafe sex, and sharing needles from mother to child during childbirth. Moreover, pregnancy is challenging when it comes to dealing with viral hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and C. Viral hepatitis hurts the mother and the fetus,” told Dr Kaishreen Khan, Consultant- Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune to News9.
Viral hepatitis and pregnancy
According to Dr Khan, “Viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and C, can raise the risk of various complications during pregnancy. It is known to impact maternal health and fetal development. According to the evidence available, pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B tend to experience complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight. These risks are often seen due to liver inflammation during hepatitis infection that can hamper maternal blood flow and nutrient transfer to the fetus. Moreover, pregnant women may also get gestational diabetes. The infection can also be transferred from mother to child who then can become critically ill. Viral hepatitis is also related to maternal death and infant mortality.”
Viral hepatitis not only takes a toll on one’s physical but even mental well-being. Those pregnant women detected with hepatitis will often be anxious, stressed, and depressed as they will be worried about the safety and health of the unborn child. Hence, pregnant women with hepatitis should not ignore symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, jaundice, weakness, fatigue, fever, dark urine, and nausea. Consult the expert for prompt treatment and a successful prognosis of the condition.
Treatment
Effective management strategies during pregnancy include antiviral treatments that are known to reduce the viral load and transmission rates when it comes to newborns. Pregnant women should rest enough, drink fluids, and stay in touch with the doctor to regularly monitor their health. It is imperative to follow the instructions of the doctor instead of taking medicines on your own.
It is also crucial for experts to educate pregnant women regarding hepatitis, its consequences, and its management to improve their quality of life and ensure risk-free delivery during pregnancy. Remember, a pregnant woman should adopt a proactive approach when it comes to hepatitis. The goal is to safeguard the well-being of both, the mother and child.
Hepatitis is a common occurrence in pregnant women. Let’s understand the impact of viral hepatitis during pregnancy. Timely intervention is key to overcoming health challenges for the new mother and the baby. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
