Hepatitis B and pg

[guinnessinu]

I just got my bloodwork back yesterday and it seems I tested positive for Hep B. I'm shocked to say the least. I'm not in any of the high risk groups and have no idea where I could have possible picked it up. The only exposure I can even think of is that my twins were vacc. against it in Dec. It's possible I came in contact with their blood that day or shortly after, would that be enough?
Anyway the info on line does not go into very much detail about Hep B and pg. Hopefully by the time this baby is born, I will be immune but if not how will it affect my birth plans? Breastfeeding? TIA for any info.

[Melaya]

I have been Hep B positive my whole life. Go to the vaccine board here for more technical answers to some of your questions (like about catching it from a newly vaccinated child?). You will be required by law to get your newborn vaccinated against Hep B almost as soon as they are born. I know that there are a few ways out of it (usually religious ones depending on what state you live in) but you will be threatened by cps and the public health department to comply with regulations about getting your child the vax (they will even visit your house). Hep B isn't contagious through breastmilk, so no worried there. But if your nipples crack or bleed, that could be a possible way to expose the baby. It doesn't make you high risk, so if you were planning a homebirth or anything like that, you can still go ahead with it. Good luck :)

[ChattyCat]

Have you ever been vaccinated for HepB? The test will then show you're positive for the antibodies. If you have, you ought to just be able to show proof of vaccination to get out of vaccinating your newborn, if that's your wish.