Patient's question:
,Now liver function test is negativeDoctor's answer:
Hello! Before planning to conceive, it is recommended to regularly check liver function, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and hepatitis B viral load. If liver function remains normal for a long period and the viral load is low, the likelihood of transmitting the virus to the child is reduced, making it a more suitable time. However, since pregnancy can cause changes in the endocrine environment, a small number of patients may experience changes in their condition during pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the aforementioned indicators regularly (every 2-3 months) before, during, and after pregnancy.It is crucial to remember that the most important aspect of hepatitis B treatment is systematic and continuous therapy—without interruptions. Treatment should be maintained until liver function and viral load remain normal for six months, after which medication can be discontinued. Additionally, liver function, viral load, and the five hepatitis B markers should be checked every three months thereafter to take responsibility for your health. With long-term normal liver function, a low viral load, and no clinical symptoms, the likelihood of transmitting the virus to the child is reduced, making it the best time for you to conceive.
It is also essential to prepare for neonatal prevention. Currently, the best way to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B virus to infants is to administer the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns. There are two vaccination schedules:
1. The hepatitis B vaccine should be administered at birth (within 24 hours), at one month, and at six months. The protection rate achieved through this vaccination schedule is 90%.
2. The hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) should be administered at birth (within 6 hours) with 200 international units, followed by another 200 international units after half a month. Subsequently, the hepatitis B vaccine should be administered at one month, two months, and seven months. This schedule achieves a protection rate of 95%.
Pregnant women with hepatitis B should take measures to prevent the transmission of the virus to the fetus through the placenta. They can receive monthly injections of 200 international units of HBIG three months before delivery, totaling three doses before labor. This significantly reduces the risk of intrauterine hepatitis B virus infection by nearly two-thirds compared to newborns born to other hepatitis B-positive mothers.
Developing good lifestyle habits, maintaining a light diet, avoiding irritants, spicy foods, alcohol, and smoking will help you give birth to a healthy baby as soon as possible.