Question
Do I need to have a C-section?
17 September 2013. Related: All topics, Pregnancy.
I just recently find out that I am HIV+ few days ago and I am pregnant.
The last time I test before pregnancy I was negative but when I start my monthly checks ups I was tested and the result were inconclusive.
When my Doctor told me we have to take CD4 Count and viral load test, my CD4 was 130 and viral load was 40,000.
I feel well with no side effects or diseases and my pregnancy has not given me problems.
I am so shocked about the result and so confused.
Is the baby will be affected and is C-section will reduce the risk to transfer it to my little angel? Because I so wanted to give birth natural but my doctor says I must go for C-section.
Answer
Hello,
Thank you for your email. I am very sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. It’s never easy to find out that you have HIV but finding out in pregnancy can be especially hard. Do you have any support to help you deal with this?
It is good that you are feeling well. Have you started treatment yet?
Whether you can have a vaginal delivery or need to plan for a C-section will depend on how far you are into your pregnancy. Do have a vaginal delivery it is very important that you are on treatment with an undetectable viral load before you deliver. In the UK a woman must have an undetectable viral load by 36 weeks to have a vaginal delivery. It can take two months or more to get your viral load to undetectable after starting treatment. If your viral load is still detectable at 36 weeks opting for a C-section will make it less likely that your baby is infected.
HIV drugs are very effective at preventing mother-to-child transmission. Even if you are already far into your pregnancy there is still a good likelihood that treatment will prevent your baby from being HIV positive.
You can read more about HIV and pregnancy in our pregnancy guide and our pregnancy FAQs. Please do let me know if you have any further questions or would like any more information.
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!
Hi Precious,
First, many congratulations on having your baby.
And it’s great that your baby tested HIV negative. But please talk to your doctor about HIV treatment for you and your baby. All babies need to take a short course of HIV drugs for the first four weeks of life, if their mother is HIV positive.
You can also discuss how to feed your baby with the nurse or doctor. This can depend on what country you live in. For example, there are different guidelines for breastfeeding.
What meds you are taking? And if you have access to your CD4 count and viral load results please let us know.
Here’s the guide to HIV pregnancy and women’s health. There’s info in this guide for after your baby is born.
I am 32 I didn’t know I was pregnant and HIV positive throughout my I did not drink medication ,I gave birth via Ceaserian and my baby test negative ,is it possible that he can +
Hi Meme,
As long as your viral load is undetectable by the time that you’re due to give birth, then no you won’t be given any HIV specific medication when you give birth. Please see here for more info: http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
Hi am meme
I am 25weeks pregnant and positive,am on my tribuss treatment,I would like to know is the any medication that you get before delivering the baby,when you giving birth natural