Question
I am 4 weeks pregnant. When should I start treatment?
1 March 2012. Related: All topics, Pregnancy, Starting treatment.
Hi.
I discovered that I am 4 weeks pregnant recently and I got my CD4 results
back. My CD4 count has dropped to 210.
When should I start taking AZT, ZDV and Retrovir, and is combination safe for my baby?
I am well and don’t show any signs of AIDS.
Answer
Firstly, congratulations on your pregnancy.
The WHO (World Health Organisation) guidelines for treatment of HIV in pregnancy recommend that all pregnant women with a CD4 count of less than 350 cells should start treatment. This is because women with a CD4 count of less than 350 cells need treatment both for themselves as well as for preventing transmission to the baby.
It is good that you are you are feeling well. However, as your CD4 count is 210, and well below 350 cells, the recommendation is that you start treatment. This will ensure that you maintain a strong immune system and continue being well. It will also ensure that you achieve an undetectable viral load by the time you deliver. Viral load is the amount of virus in your body. Having an undetectable viral load means there is very little virus and this means that the risk of passing on HIV to your baby is very low.
The aim of ARVs is to bring down your viral load to undetectable levels. It is, therefore, the main way of preventing transmission to your baby. ARVs (antiretrovirals)are the only proven way to achieve an undetectable viral load.
AZT (also known as zidovudine and Retrovir)is an antiretroviral and is safe for your baby. It is recommended for use in pregnancy. Many women who have used it during pregnancy have gone on to deliver healthy HIV negative babies.
For more information about treatment during pregnancy, please follow this link to our guide on HIV, pregnancy and women’s health. The guide also answers a lot of general questions you may have around HIV and pregnancy.
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.
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