[Medical Q&A] How do couples with hepatitis B prepare for pregnancy?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Zhao Jie, Chief Pharmacist Professor of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a common viral hepatitis. Couples with HBV need to be extra careful when preparing for pregnancy.

First, both men and women should be tested for hepatitis B before marriage. No matter which party has hepatitis B, they should be actively treated. If the liver function is normal and the hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV-DNA) test result shows a low viral load and does not meet the standard for antiviral treatment, doctors usually will not take antiviral treatment. In this case, women can prepare for pregnancy normally, as long as they regularly check their liver function and do HBV-DNA testing.

If the liver function is abnormal, there is "big three positive" or the HBV-DNA test result shows a high viral load during the regular hospital examination, you can first take medication under the guidance of a doctor and prepare for pregnancy after the situation stabilizes. It should be noted that if you are using interferon treatment, whether you are a man or a woman, you should take reliable contraceptive measures during the treatment, and you can start preparing for pregnancy 6 months after the treatment.

During the pregnancy preparation period, couples with hepatitis B should maintain close communication with their doctors and follow professional medical advice to ensure the safety of mother and baby. Remember, reasonable treatment and scientific pregnancy preparation strategies are the key to ensuring a healthy next generation.