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 Anonymous,
Congratulations on news of your new baby boy. It’s great that your viral load was undetectable when you gave birth.
And yes, all baby’s need to take a short course of HIV drugs for the first few weeks of life if their mother is HIV positive. But your doctor can tell you how long your baby needs to take NVP. Please talk to your doctor or nurse and ask about this.
And if you’re feeding him exclusively with formula, then it sounds like you’re doing all you can.
Hello Im HIV positive and gave birth through c-section my viral load was 50 and my baby was given NVP after birth only after he wasn’t given anything and I couldn’t breastfeed him cause I’m scared I might affect him and I hear people saying that he should be Takin NVP for 6 weeks to prevent him from the virus so does it mean he’s affected since he didn’t take the medication? He’s 11 weeks old now
Matshidiso,
Many congratulations on the news that you’re going to have a baby.
It’s great that you’ve been taking HIV medication since 2016. And, if your viral load is undetectable, you can have a natural birth. But you can discuss this with your doctor.
It’s also a good idea to talk to the clinic about your HIV treatment and plan for when your baby is due.
Here’s the guide to HIV pregnancy and women’s health. There’s lots of info in this guide, including for after your baby is born.
Hi im 38 years old and I’ve been taking my HIV medication since December 2016 and since this year I’m collecting my medication at Di-cherm, so my question is can i possible give birth normally and again my baby not infected. I’m now 28 weeks pregnant.
Hi Simphiwe,
Your viral load was very close to being undetectable when you gave birth, so the risks will have been minimal. Was your baby given medication when they were born? Are you giving your baby formula or breast milk?
Hi i had a viral load of 331 at 38 weeks is my baby safe because i didnot get any medication while delivering i delivered naturally . They did not explain nothing to me
Hi Regina.
As long as your viral load remains undetectable, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to have a natural birth. That is unless there are other issues. If you continue to take your meds, then there’s no real reason why your viral load would increase.
Helo am pregnant and I fall pregnant while my viral load was undetectable so I really need to have a baby naturally not with c section what can I do to maintain undetectable viral load
Hi Aisha,
If you’re asking can a doctor tell that you’re positive by looking at you, then answer is no. Its very likely however that the surgeon who will be doing your CS will be aware of your status. You may want to check this first.
Hello ,please I am HiV positive and I am pregnant about 32weeks now and am preparing for CS.My question here is do doctors notice any sign on a patients that is undergoing CS while operating??