HIV and Pregnancy

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS, a disease that is increasing among women of childbearing age. A person who is infected with HIV does not get sick right away. The virus lives in the body of an infected person for the rest of her life, and breaks down the immune system over time. It may take many years after being infected to develop symptoms of AIDS. AIDS is a very serious disease causing much suffering and many deaths throughout the world. There is no current cure for AIDS.

HIV is spread by contact with the body fluids of an infected person (blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk). Contact with these fluids can occur during sex, breastfeeding, sharing needles, blood transfusions and pregnancy.

HIV affects 2 out of every 1,000 pregnant women. A woman can pass the infection to her baby as early as the 8th week of pregnancy. About half of the children infected with HIV get it from their mother during labor and birth. Breastfeeding is another way a mother can pass the virus to her baby.

Pregnant women infected with HIV need to have their health watched more closely, with careful monitoring of blood levels and symptoms of infection.

A woman can decrease the chance of her baby getting infected by taking medication during her pregnancy. Without treatment, about 25% of babies born to women with HIV will get the virus. With treatment, that number drops to about 8%. To lower the risk, infected women must take the anti-viral medications throughout her pregnancy and during labor. Babies are given the medications for the first 6 weeks after they are born. Some women who are HIV positive choose to terminate their pregnancies.

Associates In Women's Health Care and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that all women be tested for HIV early in pregnancy. It is important for your health, the health of your baby and the health of your sexual partner. Before we order the test, we will talk to you about the testing procedure and reporting of the results. We recognize that it is your choice whether or not to be tested. The HIV test is a blood test, and determines if you are carrying the virus by looking for antibodies to HIV. Antibodies usually appear within 3 months of getting the infection, but it may take up to 6 months, so we recommend a second test if there is a chance of recent infection.

Results of testing are confidential. They will be a part of your medical record, and will be released only with your permission. Our medical office and hospital staff will have access to your records and may also see the results. "Anonymous" testing, where your name is not recorded, is available through the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (520-628-7223) and the Pima County Health Department (520-791-7676).

If your test is positive, you will need special health care and counseling. We will assist you in obtaining the support, information and care that you need. The CDC National Aids Hotline is 1-800-232-4636.

We can add this test to your first prenatal blood tests. Tell the person drawing your blood or sending you to the lab that you want the test (you will need to sign a consent form); or wait and talk with you provider if you want more information before you decide whether to be tested.