Question
Will I require a c-section?
5 March 2022. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, Pregnancy.
Will I have to give birth via c-section because of being HiV positive? It’s been more than a month taking meds and I’m 8 months pregnant now. Is natural birth safe for the baby?
Answer
Hi, how are you?
Congratulations on your pregnancy. `It is great that you have started taking your medication. This will really help keep both you and baby healthy. Do you know what your current viral load is?
In South Africa, c-sections are not routinely offered to women living with HIV. It is now generally considered safer to have a vaginal delivery. It is only often recommended to women who are not taking ART – this is because they will have an elevated viral load.
As you have started ART at 7 months it is likely that you will have a very low viral load when you go to give birth. This means it is safer to have a vaginal delivery than have the possible risks of a c-section.
Unless you present with any other reasons to suggest a c-section being a safer option, vaginal delivery will be a suitable option. The only potential thing to note is that because you have started ART at 7 months, speaking with your doctor will help give you the best information to decide which is the safest and most suitable option for you.
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy,
Josh.
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