Question

Is my baby positive if I had unprotected sex?

31 August 2016. Related: All topics, Children, HIV transmission, Pregnancy, South Africa.

I’m HIV positive since 2011 and was not on treatment until last year November when I found out I was pregnant. My partner is also positive. i went to the clinic and they started me on ARVs. I have been taking my medication for the whole nine months of my pregnancy. There were times my partner didn’t wear a condom when we had sex. I want to use condoms from now on. My baby is 6 days old now and I’m worried that she will be positive because of not using condoms. The hospital gave me the nevirapine for my baby and I’m still taking my meds and breastfeeding. Is it safe?

Answer

Answer: Muirgen Stack

Hi there,

Thanks for getting in touch.

Congratulations on having your baby. Taking your meds during pregnancy was the best thing you could have done to stop passing HIV onto your baby. It is also best for your health and good to keep taking them now your baby is born. As you are breastfeeding, taking your med is important to reduce any risk of transmission. All babies born to HIV+ mothers are given a short course of ARVs like nevirapine after birth and this doesn’t mean your baby is positive.

Testing is also a bit different for babies and you will have to wait a few more months for the results to confirm your baby’s status.

It was OK that you had sex without a condom with your partner. This does not mean your baby is positive. You taking ARVs was protective. Has your partner considered taking ARVs for his health? It’s the best way to make sure he can help you in looking after your baby as he will be healthy.

Please let me know if you have any more questions.