Viral hepatitis complicating the puerperium Save

Viral Hepatitis Complicating the Puerperium: What You Need to Know

Viral hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver. There are different types of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis B and C are the most common types that can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer.

When a woman is pregnant, she is at risk of developing viral hepatitis, particularly if she has not been vaccinated against hepatitis B. If a woman develops viral hepatitis during pregnancy, it can lead to complications during the puerperium, which is the period after childbirth.

Here are some important things you need to know about viral hepatitis complicating the puerperium:

1. Risk factors: Women who are at high risk of contracting hepatitis B or C include those who have unprotected sex, use illicit drugs, or have received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992. If a woman is already infected with hepatitis B or C before becoming pregnant, there is a risk of transmitting the virus to her baby during delivery.
2. Symptoms: The symptoms of viral hepatitis in pregnancy may be mild or severe and can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice. If a woman develops hepatitis during the puerperium, she may experience similar symptoms, which can affect her ability to care for her newborn baby.
3. Treatment: Treatment for viral hepatitis in pregnancy may include antiviral medications to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby. If a woman develops hepatitis during the puerperium, treatment may involve rest, fluids, and medications to relieve symptoms. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
4. Prevention: The best way to prevent viral hepatitis during pregnancy is to get vaccinated against hepatitis B before becoming pregnant. If a woman is already infected with hepatitis B or C, she can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to her baby by taking antiviral medication and having a cesarean section delivery.

In conclusion, viral hepatitis can complicate the puerperium and affect the health of both the mother and her newborn baby. It's important for women to take steps to prevent viral hepatitis, such as getting vaccinated and avoiding high-risk behaviors. If you develop symptoms of viral hepatitis during pregnancy or the puerperium, it's important to seek medical care promptly to prevent complications.