Medically reviewed by Emily Barr, PhD, RN, CPNP-PC, CNM, ACRN, FACNM, FAAN
It can be overwhelming if you live with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and want to get pregnant. You may wonder if you could pass the virus to your baby or if you can continue taking your HIV medications during pregnancy. These concerns are valid.
But many women living with HIV can and do give birth to a healthy baby. Every year, 3,500 people living with HIV in the United States give birth.
We are here to provide you with some answers that may put your mind at ease and help you talk to your healthcare provider.
Can I get pregnant if I have HIV?
Yes you can. But the ideal is to talk to you HIV specialist before getting pregnant. This can help ensure that you are at your best health before you become pregnant, allow for adjustments in medications, and help prevent you from passing HIV to your baby.
Of course, surprise pregnancies can happen, so if you discover you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
As long as you are taking HIV medications and your viral load remains undetectable, your chances of passing HIV to your baby may be lower. less than 1%. A undetectable viral load It means that the amount of HIV virus in the blood is so low that a laboratory test cannot detect the virus.
Being pregnant at age 35 or older (called advanced maternal age or geriatric pregnancy) carries certain health risks compared to people younger than 35, regardless of their HIV status, including:
The research is limited to those living with HIV and pregnant over the age of 35, but there may be higher risks.
Can I continue taking anti-HIV medications during pregnancy?
Yes, you can and, in fact, you should. It is important to take HIV medications during pregnancy to help protect both your health and that of your baby. this can greatly reduce the chances of transmitting HIV to your baby.
Do not skip doses and take your medications at the same time every day to keep your viral load as low as possible.
Many of the HIV medications are It is believed to be safe take when pregnant. But, depending on what you take and how far along you are in your pregnancy, your healthcare provider may suggest changing some of the HIV medications you are currently taking if you become pregnant. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to find out the pros and cons of potential medications.
What are the risks for the baby if I live with HIV?
Most babies who get HIV get it during birth. If you are having a vaginal birth, your healthcare provider may give you medications through an IV that can reduce your chances of passing the virus to your baby. yes you the viral load is highYou may have a cesarean section and give you intravenous medications. This can help reduce the risk of transmission.
HIV can also cross the placenta and infect the baby in the womb. But, if you continue taking your HIV medications as directed during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and give your baby HIV medications for two to six weeks after birth, your baby will have less than 1% chance of getting HIV.
Studies have shown that women living with HIV have two to three times more more likely to have pregnancy complications than HIV negative women. These complications can occur even if HIV-positive women are taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). Possible complications include:
- Spontaneous abortion or stillbirth
- Having a baby born with low weight
- Premature or very early birth
Can I breastfeed if I have HIV?
You can choose to feed your baby your milk by breastfeeding, breast-feeding, or expressing with a breast pump. More than 99% chance of not transmitting HIV. if you are taking anti-HIV medications and your viral load is undetectable. The pros and cons should be discussed with key members of your family and your HIV specialist to make the best decision for you and your baby.
If you are receiving ART, the World Health Organization Breastfeeding guidance is the same as for people not living with HIV.
Can I take PrEP while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Is Is it safe to take PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) while you are pregnant or breastfeeding to prevent the transmission of HIV. PrEP is safer when taken as a daily pill because PrEP injections are not approved during pregnancy.
PrEP is taken by people who do not have HIV but are at high risk. You may want to take PrEP if you have a partner living with HIV, have or have had unprotected sex, or share or have shared needles during injection drug use.
If your partner has HIV, it’s also a good idea to get tested frequently because the risk of passing the virus to your baby is higher if you contract the virus during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Will I be considered a high-risk pregnancy and need more doctor appointments?
Yes, your pregnancy will be considered high risk because living with HIV can put you at risk. increased likelihood of pregnancy complicationssuch as spontaneous abortions, stillbirths and low birth weight. And you will have more appointments because you will need to see your HIV team and your OB team. Your health care team, including your HIV specialists and your obstetrician or midwife, will want to monitor you more closely to plan for a healthy birth and avoid complications. They will check routine prenatal lab tests, such as kidney and liver health, iron levels, blood sugar, and also how well anti-HIV medications are working.
They may also offer you certain vaccines such as influenza, Tdap, RSV, Covid-19, pneumococcus and hepatitis A and B if necessary.
We have come a long way and it is not only possible but likely that your baby will be born HIV-free. Talk to your healthcare team about how you can have the healthiest pregnancy possible while living with HIV.
This educational resource was created with the support of Merck.
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