Overview

Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver. It's caused by a virus. The virus is spread by contact with an infected person's blood. This contact can happen when people share items like needles, razors, or toothbrushes. It can also be spread through sex. And there's a chance that you could spread the virus to your baby before or during delivery. This is more likely to happen if you also have HIV.

Having hepatitis C doesn't mean that you or your baby will have problems during pregnancy or delivery. But it does increase the risk of problems. You may have extra ultrasounds or other tests to make sure that you and your baby are doing well. Hepatitis C by itself is not a reason to have a caesarean delivery (C-section).

Sometimes hepatitis C is a short-term (acute) infection that goes away without treatment. But more often, it becomes a long-term (chronic) infection that can damage the liver.

Antiviral medicines can usually cure hepatitis C and help prevent liver damage. You'll probably be treated after breastfeeding is done (or after delivery if you don't breastfeed). It's safe to breastfeed while you have hepatitis C unless your nipples are cracked or bleeding.

Make sure to follow your doctor's or midwife's advice about testing your baby for hepatitis C. Babies are usually tested when they are 12 to 18 months old. But testing may be done sooner.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Go to all your prenatal visits. Your doctor or midwife will do tests to make sure that you are healthy and that your baby is growing properly.
• Be sure that all doctors, midwives, and other health professionals who treat you or your baby during labour, delivery, and recovery know that you have hepatitis C. This will help them take steps to protect your baby.
• Make sure your doctor or midwife knows all of the medicines you take. Some medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can make liver problems worse. Do not take any new medicines unless your doctor or midwife tells you to. This includes over-the-counter medicines.
• Stay away from harmful substances. If you need help quitting, tell your doctor or midwife. Treatment can help keep you and your baby healthy.
  • Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can damage your liver and cause problems in your baby.
  • Avoid illegal drugs and cannabis. And don't use tobacco or vape.
• If you haven't already, get the vaccines to protect yourself from hepatitis A and hepatitis B. These vaccines are safe during pregnancy.
• Stay away from people who have colds and other infections.
• Try to avoid spreading the hepatitis C virus to others.
  • Tell the people you live with or have sex with that you have hepatitis C.
  • Don't share personal items, such as razors, towels, toothbrushes, or nail clippers.
  • Use a condom every time you have sex.
  • Keep any cuts, scrapes, or blisters covered.
  • If you use drugs, don't share supplies used to snort or inject drugs, like needles, syringes, or straws. Sharing supplies is the main way the virus is spread.