A Guide for You and Your Baby
Welcome. This presentation will help you understand HIV during pregnancy.
You are not alone. We are your partners in care.
Good news: With today's medical care, more than 99% of babies born to mothers with HIV are born HIV-free.
This presentation will answer your questions about:
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that affects your immune system.
Your immune system is your body's defense against infections.
HIV enters certain cells in your body. Over time, without treatment, it can weaken your immune system.
With treatment, HIV becomes a manageable chronic condition. This means you can live a long, healthy life.
HIV is the virus itself.
AIDS is a condition that can develop if HIV goes untreated for many years.
Important: With proper treatment, HIV does not progress to AIDS. Most people with HIV who take their medications never develop AIDS.
Finding out you have HIV during pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Many emotions are normal.
Here's what you need to know:
You can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Thousands of women with HIV have healthy pregnancies every year.
You will have:
Without treatment, HIV can pass from mother to baby during pregnancy, labor, or breastfeeding.
With treatment, the chance of passing HIV to your baby is less than 1%.
We use a combination of proven strategies to keep your baby safe.
1. Your Medications During Pregnancy
You take HIV medications every day. These medications lower the amount of virus in your blood to very low or undetectable levels.
2. Delivery Planning
We plan the safest delivery method based on your viral load (amount of virus in your blood).
3. Baby's Medications After Birth
Your baby receives HIV medication for 4-6 weeks after birth as an extra layer of protection.
<1%
When all three steps are followed, fewer than 1 in 100 babies will get HIV from their mother.
You will take a combination of HIV medications called antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Antiretroviral therapy (ART): A combination of medications that stop HIV from multiplying in your body.
Most people take 1-3 pills per day. Your doctor will choose medications that are safe during pregnancy.
Undetectable = Untransmittable
When your viral load is undetectable, you cannot transmit HIV to your baby during pregnancy.
Yes. The medications we use during pregnancy have been studied extensively.
The benefits of taking these medications far outweigh any risks.
Not taking medication would put your baby at much higher risk of getting HIV.
Taking your medications every day is the most important thing you can do to protect your baby.
Take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the regular time.
Don't double up on doses.
Tell your doctor if you miss doses often. We can help you find solutions.
Side Effects?
Some people have mild side effects at first (like nausea or headache). These usually improve within a few weeks.
Never stop taking your medications without talking to your doctor first. We can adjust your medications if needed.
You will have regular prenatal visits throughout your pregnancy.
Your team may include:
Viral load tests: Measure the amount of HIV in your blood. Done every 4-12 weeks.
CD4 count: Measures your immune system strength. Done every 3-6 months.
Regular pregnancy ultrasounds: To check your baby's growth and development.
Our Goal: Get your viral load to undetectable levels before delivery. This gives your baby the best protection.
Your delivery plan depends on your viral load near the end of pregnancy.
You can plan for a vaginal delivery if you and your baby are healthy.
You will receive IV medications during labor for extra protection.
If your viral load is above 1,000 copies/mL near delivery, we recommend a planned cesarean section (C-section).
Cesarean section (C-section): A surgical delivery where your baby is born through an incision in your abdomen. This reduces contact with blood and fluids during birth.
A C-section is usually scheduled at 38 weeks of pregnancy.
During Any Delivery:
Your baby will receive HIV medication (usually a liquid form) for 4-6 weeks.
The exact length depends on your viral load during pregnancy.
This medication is very safe for babies. It provides extra protection during the first weeks of life.
Your baby will be tested for HIV several times:
These are special tests that can detect HIV very early in babies.
Most babies test negative at all time points.
A final test at 12-18 months confirms your baby does not have HIV.
Testing at different times ensures we catch any infection early.
Early detection means early treatment, which leads to the best outcomes.
HIV can be transmitted through breast milk.
In the United States, we recommend formula feeding for babies born to mothers with HIV.
This recommendation is based on:
Formula feeding allows you to bond with your baby safely.
Ways to bond while bottle feeding:
Need Help with Formula?
Talk to your social worker or doctor. Programs are available to help with formula costs if needed.
You will continue taking HIV medications after your baby is born.
Some medications may be adjusted after pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss any changes with you.
You will continue to see your HIV care team.
Regular visits include:
Postpartum Changes
Having a baby is a big life change. It's normal to feel tired, stressed, or emotional.
Tell your doctor if you feel very sad, anxious, or overwhelmed. Help is available.
Many resources are available to support you.
National Resources:
• CDC HIV Prevention Hotline: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
• The Well Project (for women with HIV): wellproject.org
• AIDS.gov Information: HIV.gov
Yes. Many women with HIV have more than one child safely.
If you want more children in the future:
Many birth control options are safe and effective for women with HIV.
Talk to your doctor about the best choice for you.
Important: Condoms are the only birth control method that also protects against HIV transmission to your partner (if they don't have HIV).
We recommend using condoms plus another birth control method for double protection.
If your partner doesn't know about your HIV status, telling them can feel scary.
We can help you:
If your viral load is undetectable, you cannot transmit HIV sexually (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable).
Additional protection options:
Sharing your HIV status is a personal choice. You decide who to tell and when.
Your Privacy is Protected
Your medical information is confidential. Your doctors cannot share your HIV status without your permission (except in specific legal situations).
Write down questions as you think of them. No question is too small.
>99%
With proper care, more than 99% of babies born to mothers with HIV are HIV-free.
You are not alone. Your medical team is your partner in this journey.
With today's treatments, you can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Taking one day at a time is okay. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about HIV and pregnancy.
Your commitment to your health and your baby's health makes all the difference.
Need to Review?
You can go through this presentation again anytime. Use the navigation buttons to review specific sections.
Knowledge is power. You now have the information you need to make informed decisions.
Your care team believes in you. We are here for you throughout this pregnancy and beyond.
You and your baby can both be healthy. We will work together to make that happen.