Question
Can I get pregnant with a CD4 count of 360?
8 December 2009. Related: All topics, Pregnancy.
Does my CD4 count have an impact on the development of the baby if I get pregnant?
Is there a recommended level of CD4 count before getting pregnant?. I am HIV-positive and my viral load is undetectable, so is my partner.
I want to have a baby but am worried that my CD4 is so low at 360.
Answer
Thanks for your question and for letting us answer it online.
Your current CD4 count is very good. Responses to treatment are very individual, and without knowing your treatment history it is difficult to comment further. However, many women have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies with similar CD4 counts.
Just as importantly, your viral load is undetectable, and if it stay this low through the pregnancy and during birth, then the risk of your baby being infected with HIV is incredibly low – perhaps less than 1-2%.
If you and your partner want to try for a baby now, there is no reason why your current CD4 count should stop you.
It is a good idea to speak to your doctor in case there is other support that you can get,
The i-Base guide to HIV, pregnancy and women’s health looks at all aspects of HIV and pregnancy.
Hi Sarah,
When thinking about having a child, what’s important is a persons viral load not their CD4 count.
If you want to try for a child then you can.
There’s more info about pregnancy here: https://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
I need a baby but my cd4 count is 360
Hi Vijay,
Ideally you’re looking at having a CD4 of 450 plus, this is then classed as being normal. Once you start medication, in time your CD4 should rise.
With regards to having sex without a condom, it’s your viral load that’s important, not your CD4. Once your viral load becomes undetectable, so less than 50copies, they’ll be no risk when having sex. Please see here: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
As you’re new to meds, you may find the following helpful:
https://i-base.info/guides/starting
My cd 4 count 359 starting art medicine what cd count required for healthy life or without condom sex