Can patients with hepatitis C become pregnant?

In theory, patients with hepatitis C can become pregnant, but there is a risk of mother-to-child transmission. Prior to pregnancy, it is recommended that patients undergo antiviral treatment, as hepatitis C can now be cured with treatment typically lasting three or six months. Becoming pregnant after clearing the virus through treatment is the best choice for the health of both mother and child.

During pregnancy, the burden on a woman's liver naturally increases. If a patient with hepatitis C has abnormal liver function, her condition may worsen during pregnancy, increasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and miscarriage. Additionally, during delivery, the fetus may come into contact with the mother's blood, amniotic fluid, and other bodily fluids, which could lead to hepatitis C infection. However, with advances in medicine, if patients with hepatitis C receive standardized treatment with direct-acting antiviral drugs before or during pregnancy, clearing the virus from their bodies and achieving a cure before conception, the risk of mother-to-child transmission can be significantly reduced. Even if infection is detected during pregnancy, timely treatment can effectively reduce viral transmission and protect the health of both mother and child.

Therefore, before planning a pregnancy, hepatitis C patients should undergo a comprehensive evaluation of liver function, viral load, and other indicators at a hospital, and make decisions regarding pregnancy and develop a treatment plan under the guidance of a qualified physician.