Question
Is my baby HIV positive?
27 February 2008. Related: All topics, Children, HIV testing, Pregnancy.
I am HIV-positive. I was on treatment during pregnancy and I had a normal delivery. I did not breastfeed. My viral load was undetectable when the baby was born.
My baby’s HIV test was done after four months. I received a letter from the clinic saying her test is a likely reflection of my status. I was also told that the test had to be repeated after two months. I am worried. Does that mean that my baby is definitely HIV-positive?
Answer
Thank you for your question. All babies born to HIV positive mothers will test HIV-positive with an HIV antibody test at first because they share their mothers antibodies and immune system. If the baby is does not have HIV, then mother’s antibodies will slowly disappear, but this may take a long as 18 months.
The best test for HIV in babies is called an HIV PCR DNA test. This test looks for the virus in the baby’s blood rather than at immune responses. Babies should be tested the day they are born, then at one month and then again at three months. If all of these tests are negative and the mother is not breastfeeding, then the baby is HIV negative.
Lastly, when the baby is 18 months old you should be told that your baby no longer has your antibodies.
Hi Entle,
When you gave birth to your baby did you have an undetectable viral load? And how long have you been on treatment? Have you had your baby tested since they were born?
If your viral load is undetectable, the risk of transmission is close to zero. Please see the results of the PARTNER study for more info:
http://i-base.info/qa-on-the-partner-study/
This means that is highly unlikely that you’ve transmitted HIV to your boyfriend, or your baby.
Have you thought about telling your boyfriend about your status?
im hiv and on treatment my worry is that I haven’t told my boyfriend. I have 5 months baby and breastfeeding and am having unprotected sex with him. am worried that I might have infected both of them please help me
Hi Phindile,
How long have you been giving your baby NVP for? And why are you continuing to give them it? If your baby has already tested negative and you aren’t breastfeeding then its highly likely that they’ll again test negative. However, it can take up to 18 months to know for sure. Please see here for more info on baby testing:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy/hiv-negative
Hello it phindile again the first pcr result were negetive and baby is due for second pcr test next month and the clinic told me to stop treatment (NVP) but I’m continuing giving him can pcr result be affected by the fact that I’m continuing treatment is it possible to get positive result even if the first ones were negetive n not Brest feeding n giving baby NVP
Hi Charity,
If you are negative, then your baby will be negative. Therefore, there is no need to get your baby tested. If your husband is on medication, this will explain why you are negative. When people are on medication and their viral load is undetectable the risk of transmission is close to zero. Please see the results of the PARTNER study for more info:
http://i-base.info/qa-on-the-partner-study/
If your husband isn’t on treatment, then so far you’ve been lucky. You are however at risk.
Hi Gladys,
If its any help, in the UK babies only take nevirapine for 4 weeks, so this shouldn’t be a problem. You being on treatment will reduce the risk of transmission. When are you next due to have him tested?
Can my baby be infected if I only gave him nevirapine for four weeks. I’m still on ARV’s? I’m worried. I didn’t get all information from the clinic about the time I should stop. I thought its only for that time and I breastfeed him.
Hi Phindile,
Congratulations on the birth of your child.
Because you were on treatment, the risk of you transmitting HIV to your child was drastically reduced. Therefore, your baby having a swollen gland behind their ear could be due to varies things. This is something that you should show his doctor.
What’s important is that they are on treatment.
My son is 6 days old and has a swollen gland behind his ear, next to his hair line. I’m HIV positive and on treatment. I am worried sick, please tell me could I have infected him. I had a normal birth, and my baby is on treatment.
Hi Anga,
Its good that you are concerned for both your sister and nephew. And that you care about their well-being.
Because your sister is on medication, then yes she can breastfeed, this is if she wishes too. The baby not looking like their full or crying will not be related to your sister being positive. Therefore, if your sister is concerned this is something that she will need to talk to her sons doctor or nurse about.
If your sister chooses to stop breastfeeding and bottle feed, she can do this. However, its important that she doesn’t mix feed. Which formula she chooses is irrelevant as they are all basically the same.