Question

Will my viral load be undetectable in time to have negative baby?

8 April 2016. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Pregnancy, Starting treatment.

I have just started HIV treatment. I’m 4 months pregnant. My doctors said if I get an undetectable viral load my baby can be negative. Is there enough time?

Answer

Answer: Robin Jakob

Hi,

Congratulations on your pregnancy. It is great that you have started treatment. This is good for your health and should mean your baby does not get HIV.

Viral load normally goes down quite quickly after treatment. Usually this happens within a couple of months, if not in the first month. Because you still have roughly 5 months before you give birth there is plenty of time for you to become undetectable.

You can find lots of information about starting treatment on our website.

And information about HIV and pregnancy in our online guide.