What is antenatal care?

This is the care that you receive during pregnancy in preparation for your baby’s birth.

Antenatal care is not only about medicine and tests. It includes counselling and providing information like this guide. It also includes advice on your general health about taking exercise, eating well and stopping smoking.

It is important that your healthcare team has experience with HIV positive women. This includes your obstetrician, midwife, paediatrician and other support staff.

The people providing your care should understand the most recent developments in HIV treatment and preventing vertical transmission.

It is OK to ask anyone in your healthcare team whether or not they have looked after other HIV positive women in pregnancy.

Last updated: 1 April 2019.