Hepatitis B in Pregnancy: Protecting Mother and Baby

From Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Akoka (Yaba), Lagos

Hello Friend! One of the most important reasons to take hepatitis B seriously is pregnancy. A mother living with the virus can pass it to her baby at birth — and when that happens, the baby has a very high chance of developing lifelong chronic infection. The good news: this is almost entirely preventable.

Why Every Pregnant Woman Should Be Tested

Hepatitis B screening is a standard part of good antenatal care. Because the infection is usually silent, testing is the only way to know your status. If you are positive, knowing early lets your care team plan to protect your baby.

Protecting the Baby at Birth

When a mother is positive, the baby can be protected by receiving the hepatitis B vaccine very soon after birth — ideally within 24 hours — along with a special antibody (hepatitis B immunoglobulin) where indicated. This combination prevents the great majority of mother-to-baby infections.

Can You Get the Vaccine While Pregnant?

Yes. The hepatitis B vaccine is considered safe in pregnancy. If you are pregnant and at risk — or simply not yet protected — vaccination may be recommended. Always let our healthcare provider know you are pregnant.

At Mascot Healthcare in Akoka (Yaba) you can complete hepatitis B screening, the vaccine, and broader women's health care in one trusted place. For the complete overview, see our Hepatitis B vaccine guide.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lawal Taiye (MBBS, Ibadan) — Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Akoka, Lagos.