Question

My wife is pregnant and has a CD4 of 64 but she looks healthy.

5 March 2015. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed, Pregnancy.

I’m confused, my wife is 3 months pregnant has just tested HIV positive. What surprises me is that her CD4 count is 64 and she looks and feels healthy.

Answer

Answer: Robin Jakob

Hi,

I’m sorry to hear about your wife’s diagnosis.  It is possible for her to have this low CD4 count and still appear healthy. However HIV is still affecting her.

It is important that she starts treatment. This is important for her own health. It will help her CD4 go up. Once it is over 200 she will be less at risk from HIV related infections. It will also help prevent the baby from becoming HIV positive.

You can find information on starting treatment and HIV and pregnancy in our online guides.