Question
Is my future baby at risk of infection because I am not on treatment now?
5 January 2009. Related: All topics, Pregnancy.
My CD4 count was over 200 and I was told I will start my PMTCT medication at 7 months of pregnancy. Is my baby at greater risk of being infected because I am not taking treatment? At the moment I’m taking vitamin supplements since month 3 of pregnancy. Will they help me somehow? I’m in the 5th month now.
Answer
Currently, the guidelines in the UK say that you should start HIV treatment when your CD4 count is near 350 and the SA guidelines say<200. According to our guidelines, you need treatment for your own HIV now, in addition to preventing transmission to your baby. It is a good idea to discuss this with your doctor. Further delay in starting treatment may decrease your chances for better health in the future.
There is very detailed information about the different options here.
Some vitamins and supplements are a good thing when you are pregnant, but they will not have any effect on HIV or prevention of infection, but may very well improve your general condition.
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