Question
I have a high CD4 count, do i have to take ARVs to get pregnant?
26 February 2015. Related: All topics, Pregnancy, Sero different couples.
I am HIV positive and my husband is HIV negative. My CD 4 count is 1919 I have not yet started treatment. We want to have a baby. I want to know if I have to take the ARVs even though my CD4 count is high? If I take it do i have to continue taking it even after the baby is born? Will my husband also take ARVs?
Answer
Hi,
It is great that you are thinking about having a baby. I will try to answer your questions one by one.
Usually in couples like yours the positive partner would start treatment. This is so that your viral load becomes undetectable. Your viral load is the amount of virus in your blood.Once your viral load is undetectable you can conceive naturally. This means by having sex without a condom. If you get pregnant you will have to continue taking ARVs. This is still necessary if you have a high CD4 count. This is because it helps prevent the baby from becoming positive. It is also good for your health!
The decision wether or not to continue to take ARVs after birth depends on several things. This includes what your CD4 count was when you started treatment. It also has to do with how you feel about carrying on treatment.
Your husband will not have to start taking ARVs. The fact that you will be on treatment will protect him from HIV transmission.
Many people with HIV now have HIV negative children. You should also tell your doctor or clinic that you are planning to have babay. They can help you with information about how to do this.
You can find more information about HIV and pregnancy on our website.
Hi Samela,
Taking supplements will not help your HIV. It is the taking of ARVs that help your HIV. Is there any reason why you aren’t ready?
My cd4 count is 745 , I’m not ready to take arvs. Can I use supplements?
hi
I’m 28 weeks pregnant and on AR, my viral load is less than 10 so undetectable and my CD4 is 682, recently i’ve been under a lot of stress and ended up defaulting on my medication for 2 months, now i have started again but i’m worried about my baby,will he be okay?
Hi,
Just to clarify was your viral load taken since you have started treatment again or before you defaulted on your meds?
If you are currently undetectable you are doing really well. Even if you are not any more you have a good chance of becoming undetectable again by the time you give birth. This will help prevent you baby becoming positive.
You can find more information about HIV and pregnancy here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy