What about treatment in pregnancy?

HIV can be treated very safely and effectively during pregnancy. In addition,  treatment with combination therapy that reduces viral load to below detection, dramatically reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to your baby to almost zero.

Treatment during pregnancy is a specialised area. For more information see our guide HIV, Pregnancy and Women’s Health.

I was very scared of treatment. I did not think it worked cause I had just arrived from Zimbabwe.

I came to the UK after my husband died and I needed treatment immediately. I told my doctor that I did not want to be on d4T and ddI and he just laughed because these drugs were no longer in use in this country. It is amazing what the disparity of wealth does to countries.

I never used to read about the meds I was given, but after my experience with efavirenz (which I changed), I now read every detail on every drug.

Now I tell everyone they are fantastic because they have given me a new lease of life.

— Hosanna, UK