Dear @Anni2,
Transmission generally does not occur in the womb, but occurs during the birth, which is good because it allows some opportunity for the doctors to treat you and the new-born to prevent infection. There are several interventions that can be used including:
- Treating you with antivirals close to the birth, so that you have lower viral load and therefore less risk of transmitting.
- Providing the newborn with antibodies against the virus, which would stop the virus from infecting the liver and spreading.
- Immediate vaccination of the newborn straight after birth so that they make their own antibodies to fight off any potential transmission.
Some or all of these can be used, depending on your situation. You should discuss this with your doctor/midwife/obstetrician to plan.
There are many Hepatitis B positive mothers on this forum who have successfully prevented infecting their children (see Having children and Hepatitis B).
Hope this helps a bit,
Thomas