MYTH: People who have hepatitis B or C should not have children because they will pass it on to them.

Risk of transmission from mother to baby is different for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. But having either of these conditions is no reason for not having children or terminating a pregnancy.

Hepatitis C

Overall, the risk of mother to baby transmission of hepatitis C during birth is very low. Discuss your case with your doctor. For more information see http://bit.ly/pregbirthbeyond.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk of transmitting hepatitis B from mother to infant during the birthing process. However, most transmissions to baby can be avoided by giving baby hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and the first shot of hepatitis B vaccine at birth. For more information see http://bit.ly/hbvmomstobe_eng. Discuss your situation with your specialist.