The most common mode of transmission of HBV is mother-to child during childbirth and without interventions, up to 90% of children born to HBV positive women acquire the infection. Thankfully, there are a number of steps health professionals m can take during pregnancy, delivery and post-partum to support mothers and babies.
All pregnant women should be offered a HBV screening test at the first antenatal visit, regardless of previous testing or vaccination. All pregnant women who are hepatitis B surface antigen positive should be referred to a specialist clinician, as treatment may be indicated for the mother’s health and/or to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.