Question
I started treatment at 6 months of pregnancy, will my baby be positive?
4 October 2016. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Pregnancy, South Africa, Starting treatment.
I am 8 months pregnant but found out that I am HIV positive at 6 months and started my medication from there. My CD4 count is 261. Is it possible that my baby can be born HIV positive?
Answer
Hi,
Thanks for your question. Congratulations on your pregnancy.
It is good you have started treatment, it will protect your health and your baby’s health.
Even at 28 weeks (a late diagnosis) some women who start treatment immediately and get an undetectable viral load by the time of delivery can have normal birth and a negative baby.
As you started treatment at 24 weeks you a very good chance of not transmitting HIV to your baby. Without treatment, there is about a 1 in 3 chance (30%). With treatment and an undetectable viral load, the risk drops to about 1 in 100 (1%).
Please see our guide on pregnancy for more information.
Hi Zee,
Being diagnosed when you’re pregnant can be hard, are you getting any support? Have you started taking medication?
Though you’ve been diagnosed late in pregnancy, it’s still very possible to have a negative baby. The important thing is that you take ARVs and that you adhere to them. Please see here: https://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
Hey … I’m 23 weeks pregnant and I found out I’m pregnant … is my baby affected I’m so worried
Hi Lilian,
For your viral load to remain undetectable it’s important that you continue to take medication, if you don’t your viral load will rebound. How many days have you missed?
Your in the early stages of your pregnancy, so as long as you’re on medication and your viral load is undetectable the risk will be reduced. Please see here: https://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
Hi am Lilian
Am 7weeks pregnant n I skip my medication because I got admitted and they don’t allow visit so I want to know that it is possible for me to trantmit my HIV to my unborn babe within 3dai
An also am undetected
Hi Joyce,
First, many congratulations on the news that you’re going to have a baby. And yes, it’s important to go to the clinic.
Are you already taking HIV treatment (ART)? Taking ART is the best way to protect your health, and your baby’s health. The good news is that women around the world have taken HIV drugs safely in pregnancy now for over 20 years.
For much more info, here’s the guide to HIV pregnancy and women’s health.
Please let us know how you get on at the clinic.
Im HIV positive and i find out that im pregnant will i go to the clinic
Hi Lola,
Do you mean the price of ARVs? Yes, it can be an attention-grabbing subject. But prices for all meds around the world are different. It’s difficult to discuss unfortunately.
Different countries and drug manufacturers have different policies from each other.
Here’s a Q&A about prices here in the UK.
An attention-grabbing discussion is price comment. I think that it’s best to write more on this subject, it won’t be a taboo subject but typically persons are not sufficient to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Hi Millicent,
What does your doctor say about it? It’s good that you’ve started HIV treatment (ART). But it’s important to talk to your doctor about vomiting.
What HIV meds (ARVs) are you taking? Most ARVs are absorbed in the body quickly and within 2 hours. So do you vomit straight after you’ve taken the meds or some hours later?
The benefits of ART are not just to your own health. Treating your HIV will reduce the risk of your baby becoming HIV positive to almost zero. That’s why it’s important to discuss the vomiting with your doctor.
Here is the guide to HIV pregnancy and women’s health.
Hi. Im four months and hiv positive. I have started treatment when i was 3 months and i take my meds at night. But every morning i will vomit . I want to know how safe is it to vomit everytime after taking arvs and is my baby safe.