Q and A

Question

Is it normal to get side effects when starting ARVs late on in a pregnancy?

good day i am 33 weeks pregnant only find out that i am positive, cd4 count is 287. I started taking treatment 2 days ago after taking the meds i feel very dizzy and since i stared my baby does not move around as usual.

Answer

Thanks for getting in touch. And congratulations on your pregnancy.

Being diagnosed late in pregnancy can be difficult. How are you coping? Are you getting any support?
Because you have a low CD4 count, its great to hear that you have started ARVs. The ARVs  will help your CD4. However, it may take longer for it to rise because you are pregnant. It will though rise with time. ARVs will also help with your viral load. Having an undetectable viral load is important as it reduces transmission. The following guide is about HIV and pregnancy:
https://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
Feeling dizzy is a common side effect when beginning ARVs. Do you know what you’ve been given? For more on treatment, please read the Starting Treatment guide:
https://i-base.info/guides/starting
With regards to your baby not moving as much, this is something that you’ll need to talk to your doctor about. ARVs though are not known to cause fetal movements to change.

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