HIV+ And Pregnant - Making It Work For You

Many women consider becoming a mother a highlight and defining aspect of their lives, and for HIV-positive women, this doesn’t have to change, writes Louise Gilbert

- Louise Gilbert

WITH ADEQUATE AND prompt medical intervention, an HIV-infected woman is able to live a long and healthy life, which includes experiencing a healthy pregnancy, a safe delivery and giving birth to a healthy baby without HIV.

Ideally, an HIV-infected woman should know her HIV status before she falls pregnant and should plan her pregnancy together with her healthcare provider. Unless she already knows that she is HIV-positive, it is essential for all pregnant women to test for HIV as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. For HIV negative women, HIV testing should be conducted every three months during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

ANTENATAL CARE

The first step to a healthy pregnancy is early booking for antenatal care, ideally within the first trimester of pregnancy.

For the HIV-positive woman, early booking will provide enough time for her healthcare provider to optimise her health before she delivers her baby and to ensure she’s using the correct medication to protect her baby from acquiring HIV. Delaying antenatal care could result in a greater risk of pregnancy-related complications, a difficult delivery and a higher chance of the baby contracting HIV.