EspañolMedically reviewed by Emily Barr, PhD, RN, CPNP-PC, CNM, ACRN, FACNM, FAAN
It would really feel overwhelming for those who’re dwelling with
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and wish to get pregnant. You would possibly marvel for those who might move on the virus to your child, or for those who can preserve taking your HIV drugs whereas pregnant. These considerations are legitimate.
However many ladies
dwelling with HIV can and do go on to ship a wholesome child. Yearly, 3,500 individuals dwelling with HIV in the US give delivery.
We’re right here to supply some solutions which will ease your thoughts and assist you’ve got a dialog along with your healthcare supplier.
Can I get pregnant if I’ve HIV?
Sure, you may. But it surely’s preferrred to speak along with your HIV specialist earlier than you get pregnant. This might help ensure you’re at your healthiest earlier than getting pregnant, permit for any treatment changes, and assist preserve you from transmitting HIV to your child.
In fact, shock pregnancies can occur, so for those who discover out you’re pregnant, let your healthcare supplier know as quickly as attainable.
So long as you might be on drugs for HIV and your viral load stays undetectable, your possibilities of transmitting HIV to your child will be lower than 1%. An undetectable viral load means the quantity of HIV virus in your blood is so low {that a} lab check can’t choose up the virus.
Being pregnant at age 35 or older (known as superior maternal age or geriatric being pregnant) comes with sure well being dangers in comparison with individuals below age 35 no matter your HIV standing, together with:
The analysis is restricted on those that reside with HIV and are pregnant over age 35, however it’s attainable that there could also be increased dangers.
Can I proceed HIV drugs whereas pregnant? Sure, you may and, in reality, you need to. It’s essential to take HIV drugs whereas pregnant to assist shield each your well being and the well being of your child. This may significantly scale back the possibilities of transmitting HIV to your child.Don’t skip doses and take your drugs on the identical time each day to maintain your viral load as little as attainable. Most of the drugs for HIV are regarded as secure to take whenever you’re pregnant. However, relying on what you’re taking and the way far alongside you might be in your being pregnant, your healthcare supplier would possibly recommend you alter up a number of the HIV drugs you’re at the moment taking for those who do turn into pregnant. It’s essential to speak to your healthcare supplier to seek out out what the professionals and cons of the attainable drugs are.What are the dangers to the child if I’m dwelling with HIV?
Most infants who get HIV, get the virus throughout supply. In the event you’re having a vaginal delivery, your healthcare supplier might offer you drugs by means of an IV (intravenous) line that may decrease the possibilities of transmitting the virus to your child. In case your viral load is excessive, you might need a cesarean part and get IV treatment. This might help lower the danger of transmission.
HIV also can move by means of the placenta and infect the child in utero. However, for those who proceed to take your HIV drugs as directed all through your being pregnant, labor and supply, and provides your child HIV drugs for 2 to 6 weeks after they’re born, your child has lower than a 1% likelihood of getting HIV.
Research have proven that girls who’re dwelling with HIV are as much as two to 3 occasions extra more likely to have being pregnant problems than HIV-negative girls. These problems can occur even when the HIV-positive girls are taking antiretroviral remedy (ART). Doable problems embody:Miscarriage or stillbirthHaving a child who’s born with a low delivery weightPreterm, or very early, deliveryCan I breastfeed if I’ve HIV? You possibly can select to feed your child your milk by means of breastfeeding, chestfeeding or pumping with a larger than 99% likelihood of not transmitting HIV if you’re on HIV drugs and your viral load is undetectable. The professionals and cons ought to be mentioned along with your key relations and your HIV specialist to make one of the best resolution for you and your child.In case you are on ART, the World Well being Group steerage for breastfeeding is similar as for people who find themselves not dwelling with HIV. Can I take PrEP whereas pregnant or breastfeeding?It’s secure to take PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) whilst you’re pregnant or breastfeeding to forestall HIV transmission. PrEP is most secure when taken as a every day capsule as a result of PrEP injections aren’t accredited in being pregnant.PrEP is taken by individuals who don’t have HIV however are at excessive danger. You would possibly wish to take PrEP when you’ve got a accomplice who resides with HIV, have or have had unprotected intercourse, or share or have shared needles throughout injected drug use.In case your accomplice has HIV, it’s additionally a good suggestion to check actually because the danger of transmitting the virus to your child is highest for those who get the virus throughout being pregnant or whereas breastfeeding.Will I be thought-about a high-risk being pregnant and want extra physician appointments?Sure, your being pregnant might be thought-about excessive danger as a result of dwelling with HIV can put you at an elevated likelihood of being pregnant problems, comparable to miscarriage, stillbirth and low delivery weight. And you should have extra appointments as a result of you will want to see your HIV staff in addition to your OB staff. Your healthcare staff, together with your HIV specialists and your OB or midwife, will wish to monitor you extra intently with the intention to plan for a wholesome delivery and keep away from problems. They’ll test routine prenatal labs like your kidney and liver well being, iron ranges, blood sugar and likewise how nicely the HIV drugs are working.You additionally is likely to be provided sure vaccinations comparable to influenza, Tdap, RSV, Covid-19, pneumococcal and hepatitis A and B if wanted. We’ve come a great distance, and it’s not solely attainable however possible that your child might be born with out HIV. Speak along with your healthcare staff about how one can have the healthiest being pregnant attainable whereas dwelling with HIV.This academic useful resource was created with help from Merck.From Your Website ArticlesRelated Articles Across the Internet
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