Question
Can a woman conceive if she is not on treatment?
29 October 2010. Related: All topics, Pregnancy.
Hi,
I was wondering whether a woman with a viral load of less than 30,000 & a CD4 count above 350, not on any ARVs still conceive? In perfect health, with no infections. What plans can be made to prepare for conception.
Thanks.
Answer
Women can become pregnant at any CD4 count and with any viral load.
HIV treatment reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby but does not need to be started before conception, and is commonly started only in the second trimester (ie after the first three months of pregnancy).
More detailed information is in the i-Base guide to HIV, Pregnancy and Women’s Health.
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