HCV has a relatively benign effect on maternal
health in the absence of liver cirrhosis or
intrahepatitic cholestatis of pregnancy. Cell-
mediated immunity is diminshed during
pregnancy, inadvertently lowering serum
transaminase levels and increasing HCV viral load.
Vertical transmission rates are relatively low from
an infected woman to her child, and may occur
intrauterine, intrapartum, or during the postnatal
period. No interventions during pregnancy or at
the time of delivery have been shown to reduce
the risk. Follow-up care of women provides an
opportunity to monitor and treat HCV.