Guides

Planning your pregnancy

Many HIV positive women become pregnant after they already know their HIV status. Many are already taking ART when they become pregnant.

ART is recommended for women at all CD4 counts, so conceiving on treatment will be even more common.

If you already know that you are positive, you will probably have discussed the possibility of becoming pregnant as part of your HIV care. This is whether or not your current pregnancy was planned.

If you are planning to get pregnant, your doctor will advise you to:

  • Consider your general health.
  • Have appropriate check ups.
  • Treat any sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You should also make sure you are receiving appropriate care and treatment for your HIV.
It is reassuring that currently over 98% of HIV positive pregnant women in the UK have uninfected babies.

Choose a healthcare team and maternity hospital that supports and respects your decision to have a baby.

Last updated: 1 April 2019.