written from the perspective of a patient
By Lauren Carratu, CNM, MS
When I first found out I was pregnant, I was overwhelmed with joy however, I was also apprehensive. I had been living with hepatitis C for several years, having been diagnosed in my late 20s. My midwife told me that while a healthy pregnancy wasn’t impossible with hepatitis C, it could come with some risks, both for me and for my baby. At that point, I was trying to stay healthy, but the virus had already caused some liver damage, and I was aware of how critical it was to stay on top of my treatment and health monitoring.
During the early weeks of pregnancy, my healthcare team monitored me closely. They took my hepatitis C diagnosis into account when creating a plan for my prenatal care. My primary concern was the possibility of transmitting the virus to my baby, especially since I had heard conflicting things about the likelihood of vertical transmission. I learned that while hepatitis C is often not transmitted during pregnancy, it’s possible. Perinatally acquired HCV infection occurs in an estimated 6-7% of all perinatally exposed infants and children.
I was also reminded of the importance of managing my liver health during this time. Hepatitis C can progress and lead to cirrhosis or liver failure if left untreated, and pregnancy can sometimes exacerbate liver conditions. However, antiviral treatments for hepatitis C are not recommended during pregnancy. This left me in a bit of a limbo, where I couldn’t pursue the treatment, I might have needed for my liver while also protecting my baby.
As the pregnancy progressed, I felt supported by my medical team. They regularly checked my liver function, and I had to undergo additional ultrasounds and blood tests. It was stressful, but I was glad to have that extra care. My liver function remained stable, but I had to keep my stress levels in check, which wasn’t always easy with the constant worry over whether I’d pass the virus on to my baby.
When it came time for delivery, my baby was born healthy and happy. My baby was monitored closely by the pediatricians, and I continued to have regular check-ups to manage my health and monitor my liver. To my relief, my baby did not contract hepatitis C.
I was able to successfully breastfeed my baby exclusively for six months. I began treatment for hepatitis C soon after I stopped breastfeeding, as the antiviral medications were safe for me to take now that I wasn’t pregnant. It was a long road, but I finally felt a sense of control over my health again.
Looking back, I realize how much of my pregnancy was shaped by the need to balance my own health and the well-being of my child. It was a journey filled with uncertainty, but also with hope. Having hepatitis C didn’t stop me from having the family I always wanted. It was a reminder of the importance of working closely with healthcare providers, following guidelines, and staying as healthy as possible, no matter the challenges. I urge the health professionals reading this story to understand there is a person behind the disease with a real sense of fear, apprehension, and anxiety but with good communication, a collaborative birth plan, and a positive mindset there are ways to alleviate those feelings for all patients.
