Pregnancy and Breast Feeding

What is the risk that HCV infected women will spread the virus to their newborn infants?

There is about a 5 out 100 chance of babies being infected by their mother. This is a very small risk. If you are worried about your child being infected you can ask your doctor to test for the virus.

If I want my baby tested for Hepatitis C when should this be done?

The test will not tell you anything until the baby is at least a year old. This is because your baby will still be carrying some antibodies from the mother.

Can I breast feed?

Yes. There is no evidence that Hepatitis can be passed on in this way.