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 Dimpho,
It’s great that you’re taking ARVs because they can protect your baby from HIV. The benefits of ART are not just to your own health. Treating your HIV will reduce the risk of your baby becoming HIV positive to almost zero.
You can read more in this guide to HIV, pregnancy and women’s health.
I would like to know is there anything that you are given before giving birth in order to prevent the baby from being infected with hiv.because I am taking my Arvs on a daily bases.
Hi Lolo, A VL result of 61 copies is very close to the cut off of 50 copies for being undetectable. So a result of around 60 copies sounds like it’s not a problem. In the UK it’s recommended that you have a normal delivery if HIV is well managed and undetectable. So you and your doctor can discuss this to make sure there are not other reasons for having a caesarean. There’s much more information about being pregnant and giving birth in this guide.
Hi im hiv+ and pregnant. At 34 weeks (13 feb 2018) they took blood for VL after two weeks (26 feb 2018) i went for results and they came out saying 61 copies so my sonar results came out saying im gonna deliver on the 25th march 2018 is my baby at risk of getting infected? Who decides whether the mother should give birth normal or on ceaser? Is there any possibility that by 25th of March 2018 my VL would be undetectable?
Hi Thando,
Unless you have any complications there’s no reason why you can’t have a normal delivery. This is because your viral load is undetectable. This is fantastic news. For more info about pregnancy, please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
hi im a positive pregnant lady…im 32 weeks and my viral load is 26 can i have a normal delivery?
Hi Fungai,
Do you know what your viral load is? If its undetectable, then unless you’ve had problems during your pregnancy there’s no reason why you need to have a c-section.
I suggest that you call your doctor and ask them why you need to go in when you’re 36 weeks.
For more info about HIV and pregnancy, please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
I am 33weeks pregnant n hiv positive wth my second child,the doctor told me to come at 36weeks,bt m nt sure if they gona do ceaser or wat?,they neva explained to me,i wuld like to kno if i can go wth my bag just in case they wl operate me
Hi, HIV treatment guidelines now recommend a normal delivery if your viral load is below 50. But there could be other reasons why your doctor suggests a C section. It’s important to find out from your doctor if there are any other risks to your health or your baby’s health with a normal delivery.
You can find more information about having a caesarean section here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy/why-is-a-caesarean-sometimes-recommended-if-you-are-hiv-positive
You can find more information about HIV and pregnancy here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
I tested HIV and have been taking medication. I feel better than the early times of medication. My CD4 count is 459 and viral load is 12 at week 34 of pregnancy. My doctor suggests a C section is the only safe way. Should I not consider normal delivery at all?