Viral hepatitis during pregnancy in Israel.

Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data were obtained relating to 89 pregnant women who suffered from viral hepatitis during the period 1967-1977 in Israel. The obstetrical data, course of labor and details about the newborn, were all compared with the accepted obstetrical standards in Israel and abroad. A follow-up study was made of the 89 women and 69 of the offspring from these pregnancies, covering a period of from 2 to 10 years. The data of the present study demonstrate that during the last decade, a period of generally rising socio-economic status in Israel, viral hepatitis in pregnant women, ran a more favorable course than that previously reported. The incidence of hepatitis is equal in all trimesters of pregnancy, and a favorable outcome may usually be anticipated for the mother and the newborn.