What viral load level in pregnant women with hepatitis B requires antiviral treatment?

Whether antiviral treatment is needed for pregnant women with hepatitis B should be determined based on clinical conditions and the doctor's recommendations. Generally, pregnant women with high levels of hepatitis B virus, especially those who are HBeAg-positive and have HBV DNA levels exceeding 10^6 IU/ml, may require antiviral therapy to reduce viral load and prevent mother-to-child transmission.

If a pregnant woman has a viral load higher than 10^6 IU/ml and does not receive treatment, she may transmit the virus to the fetus, leading to hepatitis B infection in the newborn. Additionally, pregnant women infected with hepatitis B may face complications such as preterm labor, premature delivery, and postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, to protect both the health of the fetus and the mother, antiviral treatment is necessary to control the disease and reduce transmission risk. The specific treatment plan should be individually tailored by a physician based on the patient’s unique circumstances and disease severity. Under medical guidance, newer nucleoside analog medications such as entecavir tablets or telbivudine tablets can be selected, which effectively suppress viral replication and lower viral load. Immunomodulators like interferon can help combat the virus by enhancing the body's immune response. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including regular diet, avoiding alcohol, and refraining from smoking—is also important.

Antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis B may carry certain risks for both the pregnant woman and the fetus; therefore, thorough consultation and evaluation by a physician are essential before initiating drug therapy to ensure the safety of the treatment plan.