Firstly, congratulations on your pregnancy. Are you in touch with other positive pregnant women? I ask because because many women like yourself find it helpful to share experiences\u00a0 and ways of coping with being positive and pregnant.<\/p>\n
In response to your question, being pregnant may cause a drop in your CD4 count. This is not uncommon. This drop is usually about 50 cells, but it can vary a lot. This drop is only temporary. Your CD4 count will generally return to your pre-pregnancy levels soon after the baby is born. Therefore, generally,\u00a0 giving birth should not cause a drop in your CD4 count.<\/p>\n
You did not specify whether you have started treatment. The WHO (World Health Organisation) treatment guidelines recommend treatment for all HIV positive pregnant women. This is even if they do not need it for their health. What has your doctor advised?<\/p>\n
Your CD4 count is very good at 1120 copies. However, it is important that you take ARVs (antiretroviral treatment for HIV) during pregnancy. ARVs will not only maintain your good CD4 count, they will also reduce your viral load to an undetectable level. Viral load refers to the amount of virus in your body. An undetectable viral load means there is very little virus present. Having an undetectable viral load by the time of delivery, is the main way of preventing transmission of HIV to your baby.<\/p>\n