Screening for HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis in pregnancy

You’ll be offered a blood test for hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis early in pregnancy. It’s routine, it’s offered to everyone, and the point is to protect both of you.

What is it?

The NHS says that during your pregnancy you’ll be offered a blood test for 3 infectious diseases: hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis. It’s part of routine antenatal screening that the NHS recommends for every pregnancy. It’s offered to everyone.

It’s your choice

The NHS says it’s your choice to be tested for any or all of these infections. If you decline, you’ll be offered screening again before 20 weeks, so you can change your mind. If you’d like to know more before deciding, ask your midwife.

When is it done?

Usually at your booking appointment. The NHS says the blood test needs to be done as early as possible in pregnancy, ideally by 10 weeks.

Why is it offered?

All three infections can pass to a baby during pregnancy and birth. Finding out early means treatment can start sooner, which lowers the chance of passing the infection on. The NHS says:

Hepatitis B: vaccinating your baby in the first year greatly lowers their risk. The baby has six doses, with the first within 24 hours of birth, and some babies also need antibodies.
HIV: the NHS says the chance of passing HIV to your baby can be greatly reduced with specialist care, medicine and planned birth care. Formula feeding is the lowest-risk option, and some people with a consistently undetectable viral load may be supported to breastfeed, so talk it through with your specialist team.
Syphilis: it’s treated with antibiotics, and the earlier it’s treated, the lower the risk of passing it on.

What if the result is positive?

The NHS says a specialist midwife will contact you to arrange appointments and a referral to specialist care, with further tests and ongoing care. Your specialist team will explain what support and treatment you will have. For syphilis, the referral is urgent. A positive result is not anyone’s fault, and it doesn’t mean you or your baby will be unwell. These are conditions your care team looks after every year, and the screening exists so that you get the right support from the start.

The NHS says your partner and other family members may be offered tests if you test positive, and that your partner should also be offered testing and treatment for syphilis. Your results are part of your medical record. If you are worried about who will see them, ask your midwife.

What if the result is negative?

If your result is negative, you will not be offered further tests for these infections unless something changes. Your midwife can explain.

Questions people ask

Is this test only for certain people?

No. It’s offered to everyone who is pregnant.

Can I say no?

Yes. It’s your choice to have the test for any or all of the three infections, and you’ll be offered it again before 20 weeks if you decline.

Will my baby be tested too?

The NHS says hepatitis B vaccination for your baby, with antibodies if needed, is the main protection if you have hepatitis B. Your care team will explain what your baby needs.

Who can I talk to about a result?

Your midwife or the specialist midwife who contacts you. Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) offers support after a screening result: 020 7713 7486, Monday to Friday, 10am to 5.30pm.