Question
Is it safe to get pregnant without knowing my viral load?
27 November 2015. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Pregnancy, Starting treatment.
I have been on treatment for 5 months. Is it safe to get pregnant without knowing my viral load? I have a negative partner.
Answer
Hi,
It is very likely that you already have an ‘undetectable’ viral load. Undetectable means that it is under 50. This is because you have already been on treatment for 5 months. Usually people become undetectable within the first month or two of treatment.
You should ask your clinic for a viral load test. If they can’t give you one you should ask about your CD4 count. If that has been rising that is a good indication that your treatment is working.
You having an undetectable viral load will prevent your partner becoming positive. If you become pregnant it will also prevent your child becoming positive while you are pregnant and during birth. Finally it is good for your health too!
You can find lots of information about HIV and pregnancy in our online guide.
All babies need a short course of HIV drugs if their mother is HIV positive. Babies always test HIV positive after being born because they have shared their mother’s immune responses. But it doesn’t mean they are positive. If you can get formula and clean bottles you can feed your baby that way. But changing between breastfeeeding and bottle feeding will increase the risk to your baby’s health.
I’m HIV positive and I’ve been on my Atroiza since last November. I gave birth in March and my baby is taking nevirapine. I’m breastfeeding so are there any chances of me infecting the baby?