ABSTRACT
Viral hepatitis remains the most common cause of jaundice in pregnancy. Clinical presentation is most common in the third trimester. The spectrum of viruses and presentations are no different from the non-pregnant population. In regions of the world with high rates of immunity to hepatitis A following exposure in infancy, acute viral hepatitis in adults is most likely to be due to hepatitis B or E. In general, the anticipated outcome for the mother with viral hepatitis is the same as her non-pregnant counterpart except for hepatitis E and herpes hepatitis. Clinical and epidemiological features overlap and diagnosis relies on detecting specific serological markers of acute and chronic infection. The differential diagnosis includes various diseases peculiar to pregnancy that can mimic closely viral hepatitis but require different management strategies, including prompt delivery.
