HIV/AIDS and Pregnancy
What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV is a virus that can cause problems with the body's immune system. A weak immune
system lowers the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers over time. When
cells of the immune system have been severely weakened or destroyed by HIV, it causes
AIDS. Most people who have HIV will not develop AIDS unless they aren't treated. AIDS
is when the HIV infection is in its most advanced stages.
Some people may get a flu-like illness within a month or two after infection with
HIV. Many people don't have any symptoms when they are first infected. But HIV/AIDS
is a serious infection that needs medical attention. If not treated, it can turn into
a severe illness over time and cause life-threatening problems and early death.
The risk to your baby
If you have HIV, you can pass it to your baby during pregnancy, labor and delivery,
and breastfeeding if your infection is not under complete control. Nearly all children
under the age of 13 with HIV were infected by their birth parent. This happens in
the womb, or as they passed through the birth canal during labor. The virus can also
be passed through human milk.
A pregnant person with untreated HIV has a 1 in 4 chance that their baby will get
the virus. But with early diagnosis and treatment with antiretroviral medicines, you can
reduce this risk to near zero.
Experts advise that almost all people with HIV be treated for the infection. If you
have HIV and are planning to become pregnant, get treated for your HIV as soon as
possible. Take your medicines every day as directed. Also, make sure your viral load
is "undetectable" before and throughout pregnancy.
Getting tested for HIV during pregnancy
All pregnant people should get tested for HIV. Get the tests as early as possible
in pregnancy, every time you are pregnant. Pregnant people should be retested in the
third trimester if they are at high risk of getting HIV, including people with multiple
sex partners and those who inject illegal drugs. Blood tests are the most common way
to diagnose HIV. Other tests can check for HIV in saliva. But these are generally
not as accurate as blood tests. When a test is positive, you’ll have more tests to
check the results of the first test. When a test is negative, but it's likely you
were exposed to HIV, you'll need follow-up testing in a few weeks.
Special care during pregnancy and childbirth
If you have HIV, you'll need extra healthcare during pregnancy. This will include
antiretroviral medicines, possibly vaccines, and other preventive treatments. You'll
need to work with a healthcare provider who's trained in high-risk pregnancy, infectious
disease, or HIV medicine.
You'll need regular blood tests to check the amount of HIV in your body. Your HIV
should be completely controlled, or "undetectable." This will help minimize the risk
of your baby picking up HIV.
Vaginal birth can expose a baby to the HIV virus, particularly if your HIV is detectable.
If that is the case, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should have
a C-section (cesarean) birth. A C-section helps reduce the risk of spreading the virus
to your baby if your virus is not completely under control with medicines.
Special care for your baby after birth
Babies of mothers with HIV are watched closely. Your baby will be given anti-HIV medicines
after birth. Your baby will have regular exams and blood tests. In most cases, a diagnosis
of HIV infection can be made by the time a baby is 3 months old.
Because HIV can be passed on through human milk, you shouldn't breastfeed your baby.
Talk with your healthcare provider about formula feeding.
Living with HIV/AIDS
There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. But antiretroviral medicines can help people infected
with the virus to lead healthier, longer, and often normal lives. It's important to
work with a specialist who treats HIV/AIDS and to follow your treatment plan carefully.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider if you:
Protect your baby
To help lower the risk to your baby:
-
Get tested during pregnancy. All pregnant people should have an HIV test at least once during pregnancy and sometimes
twice (early and in the third trimester).
-
Get treated before and during pregnancy. Work with a specialist who can treat HIV during pregnancy. Take your medicine exactly
as directed.
-
Don't breastfeed. Talk with your healthcare provider about formula feeding.