What are sexually transmitted infections? 167
Pregnancy and warts
Do not use podophyllin while you
are pregnant. It will be absorbed
into your skin and can harm the
developing baby. Warts can spread
and bleed during pregnancy, but
the warts themselves will not harm
the baby. Sometimes the warts will
get much smaller after pregnancy .
Hepatitis (Jaundice, yellow eyes)
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver usually caused by a virus, but also by
bacteria, alcohol, or chemical poisoning. There are 3 major types of hepatitis (A, B,
and C), and it can spread from person to person whether or not there are signs of
the disease.
Hepatitis A is usually mild in small
children and often more serious in older
persons and pregnant women.
Hepatitis B is dangerous for everyone.
It can lead to permanent damage to the liver
(cirrhosis), liver cancer, and even death.
Hepatitis C is also very dangerous and can
lead to permanent liver infections. Hepatitis C
is a major cause of death for people with HIV/
AIDS.
If you are pregnant and have signs of hepatitis, seek medical advice.
Signs:
• tired and weak feeling
• no appetite
• yellow eyes and/or skin
(especially the palms of the
hands and soles of the feet)
• pain in the belly or nausea
• dark-colored urine, and
stools that look whitish
• sometimes a fever
• no signs at all
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007