Hearing that you or your partner have HIV can be scary. But with advances in medicine, treatment is manageable and much improved for pregnant women.
This informational campaign comes to you in partnership with the Stark County Community Action Agency.
According to the CDC, annual HIV infections through perinatal transmission have declined by more than 95% since the early 90s [source]. This is wonderful news for mothers who have been diagnosed. So what can you do if you’re pregnant and you have HIV?
Pregnancy and HIV
- Talk to and visit your doctor regularly.
- Take your prescribed medication to protect you, your partner, and your baby. This will help keep the amount of HIV in your body- your viral load- low.
- Give your baby medication during the first 4-6 weeks. This can lower the transmission risk to 1% or less.
- If your viral load is not lower enough, a caesarian section can help reduce the risk of transmission to your baby.
- Do not breastfeed or pre-chew your child’s food.
Infections vary statistically across races in America. Likely as a direct reflection of the healthcare system and the care patients are given, the black community has the highest percentage of perinatal HIV diagnoses. Fortunately, there has been a significant decline. Understanding the ways in which HIV is treatable and preventable in newborns is our best chance to control it.
The SCCAA Community Actions Pathway HUB is an available resource for pregnant and new mothers in need of support, education, and community services.