What about if my HIV status is only discovered when I am in labour?

Even being diagnosed at this late stage can still be okay.

HIV meds start to work as soon as you take them.

In this situation a woman will be given a single dose of nevirapine immediately. 

ART of 3TC and AZT in a single pill and raltegravir should also be given straight away. Both nevirapine and raltegravir cross the placenta very rapidly.

Intravenous (by injection into a vein) AZT throughout labour and birth might also be added.

The mother might be given a double dose of tenofovir if she goes into labour early. This is because preterm babies are not able to absorb medicines well when they are given them by mouth. Like nevirapine and raltegravir, tenofovir crosses the placenta very quickly. This is a good thing.

Last updated: 1 November 2023.