Hepatitis B Screening in Pregnancy: Complete Guide
Hepatitis B screening is a routine part of NHS antenatal blood tests, offered to every pregnant woman regardless of perceived risk. It's a simple blood test with an important purpose: catching hepatitis B early means your baby can be protected with treatment at birth, almost eliminating the risk of the infection passing from mother to child.
Why you're screened
Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. Someone can carry it for years without symptoms, so screening in pregnancy is the main way many people discover their status. Without any intervention, the virus can pass from mother to baby during birth, and babies infected this way are more likely to go on to develop chronic (long-term) hepatitis B — which is why universal screening and newborn treatment matter so much.
When and how it's done
- Screening happens via a blood sample taken at your booking appointment, usually between weeks 8 and 12.
- It's tested alongside other routine bloods, including HIV, syphilis and blood group, so it doesn't usually require an extra appointment.
- Results normally come back within a couple of weeks; your midwife will let you know how you'll be informed.
If you test positive
A positive result doesn't mean you'll pass the virus on, or that anything is "wrong" with your pregnancy — it means your team can put a clear prevention plan in place.
- You'll usually be referred to a specialist (often a hepatologist or infectious diseases consultant) for further assessment and monitoring during pregnancy.
- Additional blood tests may be done to check how active the virus is, which helps guide your care.
- At birth, your baby will be offered a dose of hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours, with further vaccine doses to follow on a schedule, and sometimes hepatitis B immunoglobulin as extra protection depending on your test results.
- Followed correctly, this newborn treatment is highly effective at preventing the baby from becoming infected.
- Breastfeeding is generally still recommended for mothers with hepatitis B once the baby has started the vaccine course — your team will confirm what's right for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hepatitis B screening compulsory?
It's offered to every pregnant woman in the UK as a standard part of booking bloods, but like all antenatal screening, it's your choice whether to have it. It's strongly recommended because early detection allows effective newborn treatment that dramatically reduces the chance of your baby being infected.
What happens if I test positive for hepatitis B?
You'll be referred to a specialist for monitoring during pregnancy, and your baby will be offered vaccination starting within 24 hours of birth, following a set schedule, with immunoglobulin added in some cases. This newborn treatment programme is very effective at preventing transmission when the full course is completed, so most babies born to mothers with hepatitis B do not go on to be infected.
Can I still have a vaginal birth if I have hepatitis B?
Yes — having hepatitis B doesn't usually change your birth plan or mean you need a caesarean, as the main protection comes from your baby's vaccination programme after birth rather than the mode of delivery. Your obstetric and specialist teams will discuss your individual care plan with you well before your due date.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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