Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 30: Health experts are urging all expectant mothers to undergo Hepatitis B screening during pregnancy, saying early detection and timely treatment can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to newborns.

Pregnancy involves several routine health check-ups to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. However, experts say Hepatitis B screening is often overlooked despite its crucial role in preventing serious health complications in infants.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. While some people experience only a short-term illness, many develop chronic infection without noticeable symptoms. If left untreated, chronic Hepatitis B can lead to severe liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

According to Dr Shalini Sharma, Gastroenterologist at Pushpanjali Hospital, Agra, the greatest concern during pregnancy is the transmission of the virus from mother to child, which most commonly occurs during childbirth.

She said early diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention can make mother-to-child transmission almost entirely preventable, giving newborns a healthy start in life.

Doctors recommend that every pregnant woman undergo the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test during her first prenatal visit, as many infected individuals do not show any symptoms.

Identifying the infection early enables healthcare providers to closely monitor the pregnancy and plan suitable treatment for the mother while taking necessary precautions to protect the baby.

Experts also stressed that testing positive for Hepatitis B during pregnancy does not mean the baby will inevitably become infected. With timely medical care and preventive measures administered at birth, the risk of transmission can be reduced dramatically.

They advised expectant mothers not to skip the screening, emphasising that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to safeguard both maternal and newborn health.