ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews two of the most common hepatitis affecting pregnancy, hepatitis B and C. The pregnant female may acquire hepatitis A, B, and C acutely. If symptomatic, they usually complain of flu-like symptoms, general aches and pains, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Physical exam may reveal icterus, jaundice, right upper quadrant tenderness, and change in the color of urine. Labs may reveal high levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the thousand range. alkaline phosphatase is usually only slightly elevated. It is generally accepted that at least 50% of the hepatitis B carriers acquire infection either perinatally or during early childhood. Acute hepatitis B can occur during pregnancy; they present the same way as in the general population. A patient who is not a hepatitis B treatment candidate during pregnancy may be a candidate for treatment at a later point in time.
