Aa
pregnant
Has anyone been pregnant with hep c I was diagnosised in Nov 2011 with genotype 1a I had a liver biopsy in Jan I'm stage 2 I hadn't started treatment yet and now I'm 5 weeks 4 days pregnant. Am I consider high risk will I need a c section? Anyone gone thru similar
What are the differences, you are feeling? Make sure you are pampering yourself, drinking plenty of water, and getting lots of rest. This stress is not good for you and baby. I'm sure everything will be fine.
If you have any unusual symptoms, come on here, and let us know. I had hep C with 3 out of 4 of my pregnancies, all beautiful, healthy babies. Many other women on here have had children, I havent heard of any problems.
If you let us know your symptoms, we can let you know if they are Hep C related.
The good news? Being pregnant, and the extra estrogen you are having actually helps protect your liver, when you have Hep C. I have read a couple articles on this, just google "Hep C, and Estrogen, child-bearing years" etc.
Men and Menopausal women are the ones who tend to get cirrhosis first, statistically. Please try not to worry, and you can take care of your Hep C, and get Treatment for it, after you have your baby
If you have any unusual symptoms, come on here, and let us know. I had hep C with 3 out of 4 of my pregnancies, all beautiful, healthy babies. Many other women on here have had children, I havent heard of any problems.
If you let us know your symptoms, we can let you know if they are Hep C related.
The good news? Being pregnant, and the extra estrogen you are having actually helps protect your liver, when you have Hep C. I have read a couple articles on this, just google "Hep C, and Estrogen, child-bearing years" etc.
Men and Menopausal women are the ones who tend to get cirrhosis first, statistically. Please try not to worry, and you can take care of your Hep C, and get Treatment for it, after you have your baby
4 healthy pregnancies and 4 wonderful kids, well adult children, no complications with any. I didn't know I had HCV at the time, so no high risk doc. Only one decided to get tested because he also had a blood transfusion in 1991, he is negative. The others don't seem concerned since the Dr. said its so rare.
i was 4 months pregnant with my 5th baby when i was diagnosed. my son will be 11 in july and i had him tested this week. he's negative...yay!! dont stress yourself out. best wishes!
Thank u for the advice I appreciate it. I'm now 7 wks and noticing severe differences between the pregnancy I didn't have hcv and this one
My first Dr appt is in a week. I'm hoping all will be well
My first Dr appt is in a week. I'm hoping all will be well
I am a 55 years old and have three adult children ages 26, 24, and 21. None of my children have the Hep C virus (they were just recently tested) and the doctors tell me that I have had this virus 38 years- I have cirrhosis. I hope that this helps. Do not worry about your baby and the Hep. C. You and baby will be fine. God will see to that. God Bless, VioletBlonde
And here's another study, OH, I can post you the link~
ICP is more common in the winter months in Finland, Sweden, Chile and Portugal[23,24]. A higher incidence is seen in twin pregnancies (20%-22%)[10,18] and following in vitro fertilization treatment (2.7% vs 0.7%)[29]. One study has suggested that it is more common in women over the age of 35 years[11]. There is a higher incidence of gallstones in both affected women and their families[30,31]. Hepatitis C seropositivity has been reported to be a risk factor for ICP, and may be associated with early onset of the condition[15,32]. It has also been suggested that women with ICP have more severe and prolonged emesis, and higher rates of drug sensitivities[33].
ICP is more common in the winter months in Finland, Sweden, Chile and Portugal[23,24]. A higher incidence is seen in twin pregnancies (20%-22%)[10,18] and following in vitro fertilization treatment (2.7% vs 0.7%)[29]. One study has suggested that it is more common in women over the age of 35 years[11]. There is a higher incidence of gallstones in both affected women and their families[30,31]. Hepatitis C seropositivity has been reported to be a risk factor for ICP, and may be associated with early onset of the condition[15,32]. It has also been suggested that women with ICP have more severe and prolonged emesis, and higher rates of drug sensitivities[33].
This is from one study:
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Aims of this study were to investigate whether hepatitis C virus infection influences the incidence and natural history of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and whether ICP has different characteristics in hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive women from ICP in HCV negative women.
METHODS:
A prospective study for the prevalence of the HCV infection and for the incidence of ICP was carried out in the 5840 patients admitted to the Prenatal Department of Padua University, Italy, between January 1996 and January 1999. Testing was done for HCV by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA 3), recombinant immuno blot assay (RIBA 3) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The diagnosis of ICP was made on clinical grounds based on the occurence of pruritus with onset during pregnancy, persisting up to the time of delivery and disappearing after delivery, supported by demonstrating an elevation of both serum ALT and total serum bile acids. The Student's t-test, one way anova and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS:
During the study period, 56 of 5840 patients developed ICP (0.96%). Of these, 12 were also HCV-RNA positive. The rate of ICP was observed more commonly in HCV-RNA positive women than in HCV-RNA negative women (20.33% or 12/59 versus 0.78% or 44/5767, P = 0.001
CONCLUSIONS:
Occurrence of ICP during the third trimester should be an indication to investigate the HCV status of the patient. Although the diagnosis of ICP is not confirmed by specific tests, we confirmed a higher risk of HCV infection in this condition. Therefore, occurence of ICP during the third trimester should be an indication to investigate the HCV status of the patient. Broader studies are necessary to assess the impact of infection on the perinatal outcome of ICP.
PMID: 11942897 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types, MeSH Terms, Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Aims of this study were to investigate whether hepatitis C virus infection influences the incidence and natural history of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and whether ICP has different characteristics in hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive women from ICP in HCV negative women.
METHODS:
A prospective study for the prevalence of the HCV infection and for the incidence of ICP was carried out in the 5840 patients admitted to the Prenatal Department of Padua University, Italy, between January 1996 and January 1999. Testing was done for HCV by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA 3), recombinant immuno blot assay (RIBA 3) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The diagnosis of ICP was made on clinical grounds based on the occurence of pruritus with onset during pregnancy, persisting up to the time of delivery and disappearing after delivery, supported by demonstrating an elevation of both serum ALT and total serum bile acids. The Student's t-test, one way anova and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS:
During the study period, 56 of 5840 patients developed ICP (0.96%). Of these, 12 were also HCV-RNA positive. The rate of ICP was observed more commonly in HCV-RNA positive women than in HCV-RNA negative women (20.33% or 12/59 versus 0.78% or 44/5767, P = 0.001
CONCLUSIONS:
Occurrence of ICP during the third trimester should be an indication to investigate the HCV status of the patient. Although the diagnosis of ICP is not confirmed by specific tests, we confirmed a higher risk of HCV infection in this condition. Therefore, occurence of ICP during the third trimester should be an indication to investigate the HCV status of the patient. Broader studies are necessary to assess the impact of infection on the perinatal outcome of ICP.
PMID: 11942897 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types, MeSH Terms, Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
I may or may not have had this virus while I was pregnant. I am not sure how long I have had it cause I am not sure how I got it. But I did have 3 children, 1 natural and 2 C section. All were born healthy and none of them have Hep C.
Since I never heard of Cholestasis, I did a search. What it showed was not that hep C is a contributing factor but liver damage can be a contributing factor.
http://www.*****************.org/pregnancycomplications/cholestasispregnancy.html
Who is at risk for Cholestasis of pregnancy?
1 to 2 pregnancies in 1000 are affected by cholestasis. The following women have a higher risk of getting cholestasis during pregnancy:
Women carrying multiples
Women who have previous liver damage
Women whose mother or sisters had Cholestasis
http://www.*****************.org/pregnancycomplications/cholestasispregnancy.html
Who is at risk for Cholestasis of pregnancy?
1 to 2 pregnancies in 1000 are affected by cholestasis. The following women have a higher risk of getting cholestasis during pregnancy:
Women carrying multiples
Women who have previous liver damage
Women whose mother or sisters had Cholestasis
Well, the good thing is, you had a biopsy, which will show if there is a problem with your iron absorption. And I agree, it is a good idea to have a Doctor, who specializes in Hepatitis C, consult with your O.B., because many Doctors that dont specialize in treating Hep C, just dont have enough knowledge about the subject, going by my personal experience.
Your Doctor will check your iron levels during pregnancy, as well, but it is a good idea to have both a Gastro or Hepatologist and an O.B consulting with each-other, to make sure you get the best of care.
Your Doctor will check your iron levels during pregnancy, as well, but it is a good idea to have both a Gastro or Hepatologist and an O.B consulting with each-other, to make sure you get the best of care.
I would like to second Pooh's statement on having the doctors collaborate on which supplements are safest for everyone involved.
I had anemia during my pregnancy and it was bad enough to endanger the baby....more so than the hcv ever would. Taking extra iron was needed in my case. My hcv was unknown at this time, but I do think they would have made the same call. Follow up with both doctors to see what is best in YOUR case.
I had anemia during my pregnancy and it was bad enough to endanger the baby....more so than the hcv ever would. Taking extra iron was needed in my case. My hcv was unknown at this time, but I do think they would have made the same call. Follow up with both doctors to see what is best in YOUR case.
welcome to the forum. i had 2 boys and never knew i had hep c. they've 38 and 22. neither of them have it. my husband has been tested also, and he doesn't have it. so don't worry and take care of yourself and your baby. you'll both be fine. best wishes. belle
Hello and welcome to the forum.
Hopefully you have a gastroenterologist who is knowledgeable about Hepatitis C (or a hepatologist) monitoring your Hepatitis C.
Hopefully you have a good obstetrician monitoring your preganancy.
It would be best to discuss your concerns with both of these doctors and it would also be best if the two doctors collaborate, or at least communicate with each other, concerning your preganancy, your Hep C diagnosis, and your treatment during pregnancy.
As far as prenatal supplements are concerned, talk with both of your doctors about what you should take. It can be quite difficult to get enough iron from food when you are pregnant so this is something that should be discussed with your doctors. If your doctors communicate with each other about which prenatal supplements you should take, you should get the best answers from them. If your doctors decide you need certain supplements while pregnant, then it is best to follow their instructions. They will be making educated decisions based on your actual health, blood work, tests, etc.
There is no way any of us on the forum can advise you which supplements to take during pregnancy and which ones to avoid. Those decisions should be made by your doctors (and we are not doctors).
Here's wishing you a very healthy pregnancy and a beautiful baby.
Hopefully you have a gastroenterologist who is knowledgeable about Hepatitis C (or a hepatologist) monitoring your Hepatitis C.
Hopefully you have a good obstetrician monitoring your preganancy.
It would be best to discuss your concerns with both of these doctors and it would also be best if the two doctors collaborate, or at least communicate with each other, concerning your preganancy, your Hep C diagnosis, and your treatment during pregnancy.
As far as prenatal supplements are concerned, talk with both of your doctors about what you should take. It can be quite difficult to get enough iron from food when you are pregnant so this is something that should be discussed with your doctors. If your doctors communicate with each other about which prenatal supplements you should take, you should get the best answers from them. If your doctors decide you need certain supplements while pregnant, then it is best to follow their instructions. They will be making educated decisions based on your actual health, blood work, tests, etc.
There is no way any of us on the forum can advise you which supplements to take during pregnancy and which ones to avoid. Those decisions should be made by your doctors (and we are not doctors).
Here's wishing you a very healthy pregnancy and a beautiful baby.
Here's a shorter link, with an easier read:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11942897
The symptoms of ICP in pregnancy include(severe) pruritis, and elevated bilirubin, and my labors were induced 2 weeks early, for the safety of the baby~
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11942897
The symptoms of ICP in pregnancy include(severe) pruritis, and elevated bilirubin, and my labors were induced 2 weeks early, for the safety of the baby~
I had a disease, specific to pregnancy, called ICP, which stands for Intrahepatic Chlolestasis of Pregnancy. In the general population it is fairly rare, at about 2% of all pregnancies (more common in Scandinavia and Chile for some reason) but ICP is seen in 16% of the pregnancies, in women with Hep C.
I tried to get you the link to the article, but it seemed to run on and on, I will try again~ But I didn't have ICP in the pregnacy I had, before I aquired Hep C
I tried to get you the link to the article, but it seemed to run on and on, I will try again~ But I didn't have ICP in the pregnacy I had, before I aquired Hep C
Bo: If I'm not mistaken you had some other health issues besides hep C.
Personally, I do not agree that you need special treatment.
Many women had this virus for 20 or 30 years before being diagnosed.
I'm sure I was infected while I was pregnant with my daughter.
She was delivered at home, with a midwife, no problems whatsoever. I wasn't diagnosed until after she was grown.
Don't worry, enjoy your pregnancy.
Vertical transmission rate of the virus ( mother to child) is 5 % according the hepcadvocate.org web site.
http://www.pregnancy-info.net/hep-c.html
HCV Infection in Pregnancy
Although little data on HCV infection in pregnancy exists, the data available suggests that there is no increase risk of congenital malformation, stillbirth or fetal distress. Pregnant women with HCV compared to other moms-to-be face no greater risk of obstetric or perinatal complications.
Good luck.
Personally, I do not agree that you need special treatment.
Many women had this virus for 20 or 30 years before being diagnosed.
I'm sure I was infected while I was pregnant with my daughter.
She was delivered at home, with a midwife, no problems whatsoever. I wasn't diagnosed until after she was grown.
Don't worry, enjoy your pregnancy.
Vertical transmission rate of the virus ( mother to child) is 5 % according the hepcadvocate.org web site.
http://www.pregnancy-info.net/hep-c.html
HCV Infection in Pregnancy
Although little data on HCV infection in pregnancy exists, the data available suggests that there is no increase risk of congenital malformation, stillbirth or fetal distress. Pregnant women with HCV compared to other moms-to-be face no greater risk of obstetric or perinatal complications.
Good luck.
I have been thru 3 healthy pregnancies, while I had Hep C.
But I think there is a higher risk of problems, so I always did go to a High Risk O.B., during my pregnancies. They did extra blood work, and I had extra ultrasounds, with non-stress tests.
Two of the pregnancies were normal birth, but the third pregnamcy they decided to give me a C-section, but that was 10 yrs ago, when they thought C-sections may protect the baby from fetal/mother transmission, during the birth process.
But I asked my Internal medicine Doctor (who is now treating me for Hep C) if C-sections help prevent hep c transmission to the baby, and she said they no longer believe that to be true.
They also said breast-feeding does not transmit Hep C,(via the breast-milk) although if our nipples are cracked, to avoid it then. And also, watch for thrush on your babies tongue, right after birth, and treat that with nystatin right away, to avoid a sore mouth on baby and sore nipples on you, which will prevent cracks, etc.
Make sure to eat extra healthy, and avoid prenatal vitamins with iron, because this kind of iron can be hard on our livers. You can get enough healthy iron from food, and find a chelated prenatal vitamin without iron. The folic acid and other prenatal vitamins are important during pregnancy.
And what-ever you do, completely avoid alcohol. That would be dangerous to both you and the baby. Try not to worry and dwell on the Hep C. I found out I had it when I was pregnant also. Stress isn't good for you or the unborn baby.
Stage 2 is a good time to treat, so hopefully you can find alot of support, in terms of help taking care of your baby, when you decide you are ready to treat. Congrats and good luck
But I think there is a higher risk of problems, so I always did go to a High Risk O.B., during my pregnancies. They did extra blood work, and I had extra ultrasounds, with non-stress tests.
Two of the pregnancies were normal birth, but the third pregnamcy they decided to give me a C-section, but that was 10 yrs ago, when they thought C-sections may protect the baby from fetal/mother transmission, during the birth process.
But I asked my Internal medicine Doctor (who is now treating me for Hep C) if C-sections help prevent hep c transmission to the baby, and she said they no longer believe that to be true.
They also said breast-feeding does not transmit Hep C,(via the breast-milk) although if our nipples are cracked, to avoid it then. And also, watch for thrush on your babies tongue, right after birth, and treat that with nystatin right away, to avoid a sore mouth on baby and sore nipples on you, which will prevent cracks, etc.
Make sure to eat extra healthy, and avoid prenatal vitamins with iron, because this kind of iron can be hard on our livers. You can get enough healthy iron from food, and find a chelated prenatal vitamin without iron. The folic acid and other prenatal vitamins are important during pregnancy.
And what-ever you do, completely avoid alcohol. That would be dangerous to both you and the baby. Try not to worry and dwell on the Hep C. I found out I had it when I was pregnant also. Stress isn't good for you or the unborn baby.
Stage 2 is a good time to treat, so hopefully you can find alot of support, in terms of help taking care of your baby, when you decide you are ready to treat. Congrats and good luck
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