Not that long ago, women who were HIV positive feared a pregnancy would mean passing on the disease and dooming their children to a lifetime of medication and ill health. Today, men and women living with HIV have options that can greatly reduce the chances of perinatal transmission of the disease, even with unexpected pregnancies or when expectant parents are unaware they have HIV.
Highly effective treatments now available in the U.S. can lower the risk of passing HIV to your baby to less than 1%. By taking steps early, especially before becoming pregnant, HIV positive women of child-bearing age can protect their own health and couples can protect each other and plan for their healthy families.
What you should know
Having HIV does not guarantee that your baby will be born with HIV or will develop HIV later in life. The key is starting treatment as soon as possible and maintaining a treatment program that keeps your viral load at an undetectable level. Anyone who has HIV should consistently take medications to manage their health. Those planning to start a family should meet with their doctor before getting pregnant.
- Medications should maintain or improve your health and be safe for baby – Your doctor may change your medications anticipating a pregnancy. You should work closely with your doctor to monitor your health and your viral load and begin trying for a pregnancy only with his or her approval.
- Seek care right away if you unexpectedly become pregnant – Whether you know you are HIV positive and become pregnant or you learn you are HIV positive after becoming pregnant, your doctor can help you achieve a healthy pregnancy. Do not stop medications you already are taking for HIV until you have consulted your doctor.
- Continue regular care throughout your pregnancy – Typical side effects of pregnancy, such as morning nausea, can make HIV treatment challenging. Your doctor can provide suggestions and alternatives to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Do not stop HIV treatment during the first trimester unless recommended by your doctor.
- Perinatal transmission most often occurs late in a pregnancy or during delivery – The good news is that if your viral load is undetectable, your risk is extremely low for passing the virus to the baby even with a vaginal delivery. Your doctor will monitor you closely and if your viral load becomes detectable, a caesarean section can reduce the risk of transmission. You should discuss your options with your doctor.
Your healthy baby
Your baby should be tested for HIV within 48 hours of birth. Even for babies testing negative, doctors recommend antiviral medications for four to six weeks after birth to prevent development of an HIV infection. It is best to consult a clinic or pediatrician who is familiar with working with babies with HIV. Additional testing at 12 weeks and at 1 year to 18 months is advisable to ensure your child’s health.
Doctors do not recommend breastfeeding if you are HIV positive. Even with undetectable viral loads, an HIV infection can be passed through breastmilk, so bottle feeding with formula is your best assurance to preventing transmission.
Research and advances in treatment have dramatically reduced the transmission rate of HIV to unborn babies. If you have concerns about HIV and pregnancy, contact our team of professionals at Stark Women’s Center. Our doctors are available for a consultation or appointment to ensure your healthy pregnancy.