Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) during pregnancy and the puerperium: current standards of care.

Background: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus continues to occur despite the interventions of hepatitis B vaccination and immunoglobulin. The most significant risk factor in transmission is high maternal viral load. Being aware of viral replicative activity permits risk stratification and allows the opportunity for additional preventative measures such as antiviral therapy.