Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is extremely common. About 296 million peopleTrusted Source worldwide are currently HBV-positive, and 0.7–0.9%Trusted Source of pregnant women in the United States have chronic HBV.
HBV is harmful and easily contracted via exposure to the blood or bodily fluids of someone who has the virus. If you have not been vaccinated and you have HBV, you are very likelyTrusted Source to transmit the infection to your baby
Universal childhood vaccination against HBV, which was introduced in 1991, has reduced the number of reported HBV infections by 90%Trusted Source. Universal prenatal testing for HBV, treatment for birthing parents who have HBV, and preventive care (prophylaxis) for their newborns can all help prevent birth-related transmission of HBV.