Hep C
Hepatitis C (Hep C) is a virus that lives in the blood and can cause serious liver damage. Hep C is passed on when the blood of someone infected passes into the bloodstream of a person who doesn't have the virus. Hep C is a slow acting virus, with 1 in 4 people who are exposed to the virus clearing it naturally. There is currently no vaccine for Hep C, but there is treatment which has a 95% cure rate
Contract:
Hep C is spread through blood-to-blood contact. The virus is only found in blood and is not passed on through any other bodily fluid. In Australia, the majority of Hep C cases are passed on through incorrect usage of drug injecting equipment, though you may be at increased risk if you:
Hep C is spread through blood-to-blood contact. The virus is only found in blood and is not passed on through any other bodily fluid. In Australia, the majority of Hep C cases are passed on through incorrect usage of drug injecting equipment, though you may be at increased risk if you:
- have had a blood transfusion before 1990 or received donated organs.
- have had an unsterile medical procedure, tattoo or body piercing.
Should I?:
Many women are routinely screened for Hep C during pregnancy, but as always, the decision is yours! Testing is recommended if you feel one of the previously mentioned scenarios effects you. Even if you're planning on conceiving, pre-pregnancy screening can be recommended.
Many women are routinely screened for Hep C during pregnancy, but as always, the decision is yours! Testing is recommended if you feel one of the previously mentioned scenarios effects you. Even if you're planning on conceiving, pre-pregnancy screening can be recommended.
Relate to Pregnancy:
Hep C can be passed on from mother to baby through 'vertical transmission'. It is not yet known whether vertical transmission happens during pregnancy or childbirth, but there is no known difference between vaginal and caesarean birth methods.
Hep C can be passed on from mother to baby through 'vertical transmission'. It is not yet known whether vertical transmission happens during pregnancy or childbirth, but there is no known difference between vaginal and caesarean birth methods.
Testing:
Testing for Hep C is done initially though an antibody test. When an antigen or pathogen enters your body, your body produces antigens which serve to protect you against anything foreign, like a virus or vaccine. The Hep C antibody test shows whether you have ever come into contact with the Hep C virus. Your results will usually return within a week. If your antibody test is positive, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) blood test will be done, with your consent. The PCR test will confirm whether you currently have the Hep C virus.
Testing for Hep C is done initially though an antibody test. When an antigen or pathogen enters your body, your body produces antigens which serve to protect you against anything foreign, like a virus or vaccine. The Hep C antibody test shows whether you have ever come into contact with the Hep C virus. Your results will usually return within a week. If your antibody test is positive, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) blood test will be done, with your consent. The PCR test will confirm whether you currently have the Hep C virus.
Baby?:
If a PCR test returns positive, there is a small chance you may pass the virus on to your baby (around 5- 7%). Testing the baby is the only way to determine if the virus has been passed on, which is why it is important to monitor babies with Hep C positive mothers after birth.
If your baby has developed the virus, it is important that the baby receives the same level of care as others (such as immunisations, healthy diet, health checks and development checks. Around 20% of children clear Hep C naturally.
If a PCR test returns positive, there is a small chance you may pass the virus on to your baby (around 5- 7%). Testing the baby is the only way to determine if the virus has been passed on, which is why it is important to monitor babies with Hep C positive mothers after birth.
If your baby has developed the virus, it is important that the baby receives the same level of care as others (such as immunisations, healthy diet, health checks and development checks. Around 20% of children clear Hep C naturally.
Breastfeeding:
Women with Hep C are encouraged to breastfeed, as breast milk from mothers with Hep C is considered safe for their babies. However, if you have cracked or bleeding nipples - it is encouraged to express and discard this milk until all wounds are healed. Speak to your local midwife for more information!
Women with Hep C are encouraged to breastfeed, as breast milk from mothers with Hep C is considered safe for their babies. However, if you have cracked or bleeding nipples - it is encouraged to express and discard this milk until all wounds are healed. Speak to your local midwife for more information!