Guides

Hepatitis C coinfection

You might discover you are coinfected with both hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV through routine screening in pregnancy. Without HIV treatment there might be a 15% risk of transmitting HCV to the baby. ART will reduce this risk.

Women with HCV should NOT be treated with pegylated interferon or ribavirin (old HCV drugs). If you discover you are pregnant while being treated with these drugs, they should be stopped.

  • Your HCV will need to be carefully monitored.
  • You will be vaccinated against HBV and HAV.
  • If your HIV viral load is undetectable on ART you can have a vaginal delivery.

  • If you know that you have HIV and HCV and wish to become pregnant you should be prioritised for DAA-based anti-HCV treatment and delay your pregnancy until after this is completed.

i-Base has a guide on Hepatitis C for People Living with HIV.

Last updated: 1 April 2019.