Question
I started ARVs at 34 weeks of pregnancy
10 December 2012. Related: All topics, Pregnancy.
Hello.
I’m pregnant and recently found I’m HIV positive. I started treatment and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
I’m at 36 weeks now. Did I start too late, is my baby already infected?
Answer
Hello,
Thank-you for your email.
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Finding out you have HIV is never easy, but finding out when your pregnant can be especially hard. Do you have any support?
Although you started treatment quite late in pregnancy this doesn’t mean it won’t work. Treatment with ARVs can reduce your viral load very quickly. This means that there is much less HIV in your body after the first few days or weeks of taking the meds. So you still have a very good chance that your baby will be HIV negative.
Our pregnancy FAQs page and our guide to HIV and pregnancy which has lots more information about HIV and pregnancy. Please do get in touch if you have any questions and best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy!
Hi Sarah
I am sorry if this was unexpected but it is actually really good that you tested in time.
HIV meds are really effective and they start working as soon as you start to take them.
Your viral load could easily become undetectable before your baby is born and the meds are both good for you and highly protective for your baby.
There also other options if you have to give birth before becoming undetectable.
Please don’t worry – your doctor and midwife have experience with this and can help you.
I am also sending you a link to our pregnancy guide for more information:
https://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
I am sure everything will be ok
Good luck with everything,
Hi doc my viral load is 35000 and my CD4 count is 400
I am 36Weeks pregnant. Should I be worried that I will pass on Hiv to my unborn child?
Hello Josephine and thanks for getting in touch.
Congratulations on your pregnancy. You must be very excited to be having your baby.
Please don’t worry. The good thing is now you know about it.
Your doctor will start you on a treatment that will lower your viral load.
Depending on your viral load at the delivery they will offer you options for natural or C-section.
They will also give you medication during delivery and for the baby after it is born.
All these medication will protect your baby.
Many women have given birth to HIV free babies.
Please don’t worry. Look after yourself, take your medication and everything will be well.
36 week test positive does my unborn baby can be safe