Birth Outcomes among People with Hepatitis C in Pregnancy — Three U.S. States, 2018-2020

Abstract There are limited and conflicting data regarding the impact of hepatitis C in pregnancy on adverse birth outcomes. Using a large surveillance cohort, we describe birth outcomes among a cohort of people with HCV in pregnancy. Among 1171 infants, the proportion born preterm was 19%, 13% were small-for-gestational age and 26% of term infants required intensive care. Assessments of recent changes to recommendations for HCV screening in pregnancy should evaluate the impact on maternal access to care for both HCV treatment as well as comorbidities such as substance use disorder which may contribute to adverse birth outcomes.