Question
I’m pregnant and my viral load is increasing, what should I do?
20 August 2016. Related: All topics, Pregnancy.
I’m 35 weeks pregnant and have been on reyataz truvada norvir and undetectable until about week 30 of pregnancy. Shall i ask my doctor to increase my reyataz dose from 300 to 400? Now my viral load is over 50 and I’m worried as my delivery date is in 3 weeks’ time.
Answer
I’m sorry you are having a difficult with your care over your pregnancy.
It’s definitely a good idea to explain your concerns to your doctor or another if you would feel more comfortable engaging with someone new.
Maintaining an undetectable viral load in the third trimester is a priority in preventing transmission to your baby.
The doctors may consider increasing your dose of reyataz (Atazanavir) to 400mg as you mentioned or they might also consider resistance testing and offering an integrase inhibitor which could quickly bring your viral load down.
However, depending on the test used, 50 copies/mL is the general clinical cut off for being undetectable so you’re still doing well.
This though is another reason to speak with your doctors about how much your viral load has changed, whether it could increase and how this may then effect your choice of delivery.
It sounds like you are doing the best you can to protect your health and the baby’s, so hopefully your doctors can help with the concerns you currently have.
Please let me know if you have any more questions or need more information after speaking with your doctor.
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