Can hepatitis B virus carriers have children?

Hepatitis B virus carriers can have children, but mother-to-child transmission prevention measures are needed to reduce the risk of neonatal infection . The main intervention methods include pre-pregnancy evaluation, antiviral treatment during pregnancy , and combined neonatal immunization.

1. Pre-pregnancy assessment:

Female carriers need to test their hepatitis B virus load and liver function before pregnancy. When the viral load exceeds 10^6IU/ml or there is liver fibrosis , it is recommended to take antiviral treatment under the guidance of a doctor and plan pregnancy after the condition stabilizes . Although male carriers have no risk of vertical transmission, their spouses must ensure that the hepatitis B surface antibody is positive.

2. Pregnancy management:

Antiviral intervention is performed for pregnant women with high viral load (>2×10^5IU/ml) from 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. Commonly used drugs include tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and other pregnancy category B antiviral drugs. Liver function and viral load need to be monitored monthly, and viral load should be rechecked before delivery to assess the risk of transmission.

3. Childbirth protection:

Cesarean section cannot reduce the rate of mother-to-child transmission, and prolonged labor should be avoided during natural delivery. Within 12 hours after birth, the newborn must complete the injection of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine, and the two preparations must be injected at different sites.

4. Neonatal immunization:

After completing the combined immunization at birth, three doses of hepatitis B vaccine are required according to the 0-1-6 month schedule. Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody tests are required 7-12 months after completion of vaccination. If the surface antibody is <10mIU/ml, booster vaccination is required.

5. Breastfeeding guidance:

Breastfeeding is allowed if the mother has not received antiviral treatment and the nipples are not damaged. Drug metabolism should be evaluated for those taking antiviral drugs. The concentration of tenofovir disoproxil in breast milk is extremely low and usually does not affect breastfeeding.

Families of hepatitis B virus carriers need to establish a separate dining system to avoid contact with body fluids. The tableware should be boiled and disinfected regularly. During the pregnancy preparation period, both parties should maintain a regular schedule and avoid drinking alcohol and taking hepatotoxic drugs. During the care of newborns, be careful to avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes and other items that may come into contact with blood. Family members who have not been vaccinated need to be vaccinated in time. After children turn 1 year old, it is recommend to recheck the five hepatitis B items every 2-3 years. To ensure that the antibodies continue to be effective. The daily diet can appropriately increase the intake of high-quality protein and vitamins. Such as fish, eggs and dark vegetables, and avoid excessive intake of animal offal.