Why is the CDC recommending universal screening for Hepatitis C for pregnant women?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now advises that all pregnant women be screened for Hepatitis C during every pregnancy. This recommendation applies to every pregnancy, not just the first one. The shift in policy reflects a major change in how common the virus has become in the United States.

What the research says

Infection rates among pregnant women in the United States have risen sharply. National data shows that the chronic prevalence of Hepatitis C virus doubled between 2009 and 2014, reaching approximately 0.7% ⁹. Despite this increase, many cases remain undiagnosed because routine screening was not previously standard practice ⁹.

The CDC updated its guidelines to address this gap. They now recommend one-time screening for all adults and screening of all pregnant women during each pregnancy ⁵. This change aligns with newer guidelines from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the Infectious Diseases Society of America ¹⁰.

Screening is also financially sound. A study evaluating the cost-effectiveness of universal screening found that testing pregnant women and treating them after delivery is a good use of healthcare resources ⁹. This holds true even when considering the cost of new antiviral drugs, which are now much cheaper than older treatments ⁹.

Rising rates of opioid use disorder among women delivering in hospitals have also contributed to higher Hepatitis C infection rates in this group ⁶. Because the virus can be passed from mother to baby, finding and treating infections early helps protect newborns.

What to ask your doctor

• Do I need to be tested for Hepatitis C during this pregnancy?
• What happens if my test result is positive?
• Can I be treated for Hepatitis C before or after my baby is born?
• How does my history of drug use affect my risk for Hepatitis C?