7 weeks pregnant & found out I have HCV

I am 7 weeks pregnant and just got a call from my dr. that I am HIV negative, but my test came back 'reactive' for Hepatitis C? My dr. said that it could be that I no longer have it and was exposed in the past or that I currently have it.

I don't have any symptoms.

What does this mean? What do I do? Can I pass it on to my husband?

I'm so scared and I don't know what to do? Will I pass it on to my baby??

[Douglas Dieterich, MD]

Good questions all. First of all you should have the quantitative PCR test with a genotype to get you two PCR tests to settle the question once and for all if you have HCV. Without risk factors there should be no reason to worry. The RIBA test is not much use.
Second, HCV is not a heterosexually transmitted disease so go ahead and have sex with your husband, you need him around now!
Finally there is very small risk of transmission to the baby of about 5% IF you do have it. That is even lower if you have an ELECTIVE C section, but not an emergency one.
Good luck with the pregnancy! DTD

[shupeg]

I am not a medical professional, just a reader with HCV. It was first detected in 1990 when I went to donate blood. I do not know how I acquired it but since I was not a drug user, medical professional and have had the same partner forever (he does not have HCV) . I did have a transfusion in a surgery at 11. If that was the method of transmission, I have had it for over 35 years. I never treated. At 44 I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. He is negative. Now at 48 I am going to start treatment. Get a good ob/gyn and tell him. Mine was wonderful and assured me all through the pregnancy that I and my baby would be fine. Now I do not know what state you are in but if you never knew it before, I would venture to guess you are not experiencing symptoms of HCV. Perhaps a good gastro or heptatologist can guide you.


Congrats,


Shupeg

[Carrie2008]

Thank you for your response.

I am not a drug user, medical professional, or any of the high risk categories.

I did have surgery in 2000 for a ruptured appendix.

I do not have any symptoms of HCV and am awaiting the results of my RIBA test. I will know more next week.

Is it safe to have intercourse with my husband? Or should we use protection?

Good Luck with your treatment and congrats on the birth of your son.

Thanks again for your response.

[IAmTheWalrus]

On the sex question, I believe Dr. D said "go ahead".

"Second, HCV is not a heterosexually transmitted disease so go ahead and have sex with your husband, you need him around now!"