What you need to know — and why there is reason for hope
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With proper medical care, the risk of passing HIV to your baby can be reduced to less than 1%.
Treatment dramatically reduces all three risks.
| Scenario | Transmission Risk |
|---|---|
| No treatment | 15 – 30 out of 100 babies |
| Treatment started in pregnancy | 1 – 2 out of 100 babies |
| Undetectable viral load at delivery | <1 out of 100 babies |
ART is a combination of medicines that control HIV in your body.
Most HIV medicines are safe during pregnancy. Your doctor will choose the right combination for you.
"Viral load" is the amount of HIV in your blood.
When your viral load is undetectable, the risk of passing HIV to your baby is essentially zero.
Do not stop taking your HIV medicines during pregnancy — even if you feel well.
Your medicines protect both you and your baby.
The best protection comes from starting ART before or as early as possible in pregnancy.
Usually safe and recommended when viral load is well controlled.
Recommended at 38 weeks. IV zidovudine (AZT) given during delivery for added protection.
Recommended in the United States — completely eliminates HIV transmission through milk
Not recommended in the U.S. — HIV can be passed through breast milk even with undetectable viral load
Your care team will support your feeding decision and provide resources.
Every day, as prescribed — this is the most important step.
Regular monitoring keeps you and your baby safe.
Your OB and HIV specialist are here to support you.
U = U — undetectable viral load means near-zero transmission risk.
With treatment, >99% of babies will not have HIV.
No question is too small. We are here for you.
We are here to support you every step of the way.
Please ask us anything — no question is too small.