Pregnancy Health and Hepatitis C

Even though the risk of giving hepatitis C to your children at birth are low, if you are pregnant with hep C, your medical provider should know so they can manage your health care. This will protect both you, and your unborn child.

4 tips if you’re pregnant with hepatitis C

Below are four tips for managing pregnancy health and hepatitis C symptoms.

Treatment

Hepatitis C treatment will probably not be given during your pregnancy. This is a time when your body will need a lot of rest to take care of you, and your new baby. It may be a time when you can set new goals for the future. Giving life is one of the greatest miracles on earth. As your belly swells, so will your heart, and your love for your child. You can begin to plan for treatment after you welcome your new baby home.

Nutrition

Use these months to take good care of your body. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables. It’s easy to grab salads, or make homemade soup. Getting the protein your need will help you to stay strong and gain the right amount of weight to support your growing baby. You may have morning sickness, or perhaps you are concerned about getting all the vitamins you need. If this is the case, talk to your medical provider about supplementing vitamins. They can guide you toward a liver safe vitamin combo that will protect your liver, and your baby.

Rest

You may already have fatigue from living with hepatitis C. If you have had it for a long time, you may experience weakness, swelling, increased nausea, and other symptoms. Right now, it’s important to rest as much as possible. Try to get a good nights sleep every night by making a bed time routine. Take a nap if you need to. Each trimester will bring different needs for your body, and you can pay close attention to your body’s rhythm by sleeping well.

Exercise

Staying active is important while you’re carrying your child. Try to walk as much as possible every day. Toward the end of pregnancy, your body size may prevent you from moving about as much, but you can always take a short walk if your doctor approves.

Risks of passing hepatitis C to your child

Vertical Transmission: the chance of passing the virus on to your baby is rare, but does do exist. Try not to worry too much about it. If it happens, you can find help. Your doctor can guide you after your child is born. Their first test can take place around 2 months old. After that, they may clear it on their own. If not, keep in touch with a medical provider so that they can begin treatment. This is usually after they turn 8 years old.

These four tips can guide you to eat good food, plenty of rest, and stay active while you’re pregnant with hepatitis C. There is very little risk of passing it on through vertical transmission. In addition, there is a cure for hepatitis C waiting in the future. This new baby may represent a new beginning for your life that is hepatitis C free.