Symptomatic chronic hepatitis b infection in pregnancy a high risk for adverse obstetric and perinatal outcome

Both symptomatic and asymptomatic chronic Hepatitis B viral infections in pregnancy have been found to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcome for the mother and the baby. This comparative study compared maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnancy between mothers with symptomatic HBV infection and those who were asymptomatic. The results revealed that HBV infected pregnant women with low income, low educational level and are rural dwellers are more likely to be symptomatic. There was statistically significant difference in maternal outcomes (parity, premature rapture of membrane, foul smelling liquor, history of abortion and STI/UTI) between symptomatic and asymptomatic HBV infected mothers. A positive association exists between symptomatic HBV infection and gestational age (P<0.001), birth weight (p<0.001), Apgar score at minute one (0.001), Apgar score at minute five (p<0.001), stillbirth (0.001) and asphyxia (P< 0.001). Antenatal care services must target screening and effective management of HBV infected individuals to reduce the adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.