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, m hiv poz mom, started treatment at five months of pregnancy. I have had unprotected intercourse b4 I knew about the pregnancy.I have a baby girl now n m waiting for results,worried
Hi Qaba,
Its great to hear that so far all is well with your baby. Having two negative tests is an excellent indication that your baby will be negative.
The advice that you’ve been given is correct.
Hi. I have found out of my positive hiv status while I was 4months pregnant. I immediately started taking medication as prescribed without skipping. I gave birth to a baby boy nd was tested within 3days of delivery nd results where negative.. they again tested him at 10weeks nd again results came back being negative. Baby is on his medication and I am breastfeeding exclusively. Sister advise me to stick on breasfeeding only and nt to give him baby anything until he is 6months.
Hi Olivia,
Testing babies can be a very scary and worrying time. However, its very important that you have your baby tested.
I am an HIV+mom n my baby has not been tested yet am so worried about her status.. I don’t know what to say, think o do… I have been taking my meds very correctly before n after birth.. Should I be worried.
Hi Trisha,
Just because your daughter has had one positive result doesn’t mean that she will be positive. This is why it can take up to 18 months to know for sure if a baby is positive or not, if they are born to a HIV positive mother. Please see here for more info:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy/hiv-negative
You being on meds will have drastically reduced the risk of transmission.
Im HIV + been on ART since 2015 have had an undetectable viral load ever since I had started my treatment. I fell pregnant last year and gave birth in April 2017. I have chosen to exclusively breastfeed my baby for. During her 6 weeks immunization she was given Suspension Bactrim to take after she had been taking her Nevapine for the duration of 6 weeks. She tested positive at her 6 weeks immunization. What are the chances that she is HIV + coz I take my meds every day?
Hi Marry,
Its common to be worried about the status of a child. However, as the above post explains, to know for sure if a baby is negative or not they need to have several tests. You being on treatment, will though have helped a lot.
I am hiv positive mom.my baby he is 2 months now after delivery they test him I got results after a week which was negative.i did took treatment when I was 2months pregnant.since from there I never do unprotected sex until I gave birth. but am worried if he can test again & be hiv positive. am very worried.
Hi Semakaleng,
There’s no set way in which to do the switch from breast to formula. However, its important that you don’t mix feed. What you could do is express some of your milk and give them that in a bottle so that they get used to a bottle, then wean them onto formula. Your child’s nurse or doctor should be able to help.