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.
I have a 5 month old baby, I want to switch to formula how do I switch without disturbing my daughter’s health?
Hi Mberly,
Having a possible positive result does not mean that your baby is positive. To know for sure if your baby is positive or negative you will need to wait until the baby is 18months old. For more info about this, please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy/hiv-negative
When you were given the last results did the doctors talk to you about it? Also when you gave birth did you have an undetectable viral load? Have you breastfed? And was your baby given medication?
I’m HIV positive. My baby tested negative after delivery, but after 3 month HIV expose. Does that mean my baby is positive?
Hi Audrey,
It’s not possible to say if your baby will be positive or negative. Therefore, they will need to be tested. You are though doing the right thing by giving them medication and not breastfeeding.
For testing info in babies, please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy/hiv-negative
Hello my situation is similar to Marys as I found when I was in labour. I’m not breastfeeding and administering the two types of medication as I was instructed at the clinic. they took tests and I will be going back after 5 weeks. what are the chances of my baby being infected?
Hi Mary,
Did you have a c-section? Are you breastfeeding? Has your baby already had their first test?
I found out about my status 3 days before delivery, I started medication immediately. My child started medication 3 days later. What are the chances she is infected?
Hi Lizzy,
Congratulations on the birth of your baby.
A negative PCR test result is an indication that you’re baby is negative. This is a very good sign. However, to know if a baby is positive or not, it can take up to 18 months. They will need to be tested several times in this time period as the following discusses:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy/hiv-negative
The Rhesus Factor, (RH) is an inherited protein found on the surface of red blood cells. If your blood has this protein, you’re RH positive. RH positive is the most common blood type. This test has nothing to do with HIV.
Hi, I just got a baby he is 1week now, with c- section ,can you explain to me what is the meaning of RH factor positive? and pcr negative? I’m confused, is my baby infected?
Hi Ntombi,
What you’ve been told at the clinic is right, you will need to wait until your baby is 18 months old to find out if he is positive or not. This is even if his first test was negative and was given syrup. Please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy/hiv-negative
Are you now on medication?