What is hepatitis B mother-to-child transmission?

Dec 01, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B refers to the transmission of the hepatitis B virus from infected mothers to their fetuses or newborns during pregnancy, childbirth, or close postnatal contact. It is one of the major routes of hepatitis B transmission. If the mother is infected with hepatitis B virus, timely prenatal examinations and interventions are recommended. Transmission mainly occurs in three stages, during which the virus may pass through

Vertical transmission of hepatitis B refers to the transmission of the hepatitis B virus from an infected mother to her fetus or newborn during pregnancy, childbirth, or close contact after delivery. It is one of the major routes of hepatitis B infection. If the mother is infected with hepatitis B virus, timely medical testing and interventions during pregnancy are recommended.

Transmission mainly occurs in three stages: during pregnancy, the virus may cross the placenta and infect the fetus; during delivery, newborns can become infected through exposure to maternal blood and bodily fluids; after birth, transmission may also occur via breastfeeding or close daily contact, although the risk in these postnatal scenarios is relatively low.

The higher the maternal viral load of hepatitis B, the greater the risk of transmission. If the mother is hepatitis B "large three positive" (HBsAg, HBeAg, and anti-HBc positive) or has a high viral load, the probability of transmission without preventive measures is significantly increased. However, appropriate mother-to-child transmission prevention protocols can greatly reduce this risk.

During pregnancy, liver function and viral load should be regularly monitored as directed by a physician. After birth, newborns should promptly receive the hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin. Mothers should maintain good personal hygiene, avoid exposing the newborn to bodily fluids—especially near wounds—and maintain healthy lifestyle habits to strengthen their own health.

Related Articles

View All

What are the indicators of immunity acquired after hepatitis B virus vaccination?

Immunity acquired after hepatitis B virus vaccination can be determined through serological testing, which generally includes the following indicators: positive hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), HBsAb titer ≥10 mIU/mL, HBsAb titer ≥100 mIU/mL, seroconversion rate of anti-HBs, and negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). A detailed analysis is as follows:

View Full Answer

Does the company health checkup include hepatitis B testing?

Whether a routine health checkup at the workplace includes hepatitis B testing depends on the specific circumstances. Standard pre-employment physicals usually do not include hepatitis B screening. Typical pre-employment examination items generally cover basic health indicators such as blood tests, urine tests, and electrocardiograms, aimed at assessing an employee's overall health status. Hepatitis B testing is typically excluded from these routine checks in order to protect personal privacy and prevent employment discrimination.

View Full Answer

What virus is HBsAg?

HBsAg is a viral marker produced after hepatitis B virus infection. It is not the virus itself, but rather a protein component found on the outer surface of the hepatitis B virus. In daily life, it is important to protect liver health by maintaining regular作息 (daily routines), avoiding excessive fatigue, and allowing sufficient time for liver cell repair. A light and balanced diet is recommended, with reduced intake of high-fat, high-sugar, and irritating foods to lessen the metabolic burden on the liver.

View Full Answer

When should the third dose of the vaccine be administered, after how many months?

In general, the timing for the third dose of a vaccine varies depending on the vaccine type. For COVID-19 vaccines, the third dose is typically administered 6 months after completing the second dose. Other vaccines, such as hepatitis B and HPV vaccines, follow fixed schedules, so the specific vaccine type must be considered to determine the appropriate interval. Before vaccination, individuals can check the vaccine type and recommended intervals through vaccination sites or official channels, and complete the vaccination on schedule.

View Full Answer

What does a five-item blood liver function test check for?

The five-item liver function blood test generally includes examination of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibody, hepatitis B e-antigen, hepatitis B e-antibody, and hepatitis B core antibody. Hepatitis B surface antigen is a protein from the outer shell of the hepatitis B virus. Although it is not infectious by itself, its presence usually indicates the existence of the hepatitis B virus and serves as a marker for hepatitis B infection. A positive result suggests possible hepatitis B infection.

View Full Answer

What Chinese herbs can completely cure "small three positives" (HBeAb, HBsAb, and HBcAb positive in hepatitis B)?

There is currently no traditional Chinese medicine that can completely cure "minor three positives" (a pattern of hepatitis B virus markers), but certain herbal medicines may help alleviate symptoms and regulate the immune system. Commonly used medications include Hugan Pian, Anluo Huaxian Wan, Yexiazhu Capsules, and Yinchenhao Tang. Hugan Pian contains ingredients such as Bupleurum and Artemisia capillaris (Yinchen), which help soothe the liver, regulate qi flow, and reduce transaminase levels. It is suitable for patients with "minor three positives" who have mild liver function abnormalities, and can improve symptoms such as distension and pain in the hypochondriac region and reduced appetite.

View Full Answer

What are the symptoms of hepatitis D?

In general, hepatitis D, a liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus, often coexists with hepatitis B infection. Its main symptoms include fatigue, poor appetite, jaundice, dull pain in the liver area, nausea and vomiting, and darkened urine. Hepatitis D frequently occurs as a simultaneous or superimposed infection with hepatitis B, and its symptoms are easily masked by those of hepatitis B. Individuals with a history of hepatitis B should undergo regular check-ups and take appropriate measures to protect their liver.

View Full Answer

What does it mean if a pregnant woman has high levels of hepatitis B core antibody?

Elevated hepatitis B core antibody levels in pregnant women may result from previous hepatitis B virus infection, testing errors, immune fluctuations during pregnancy, chronic hepatitis B, or acute phase of hepatitis B virus infection. This condition can be confirmed through retesting and improved by lifestyle adjustments or medication. If accompanied by abnormal liver function, fatigue, or other symptoms, prompt medical attention is necessary.

View Full Answer

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.