In recent years, medical and social discussions around HIV and life with the disease have grown substantially, raising awareness about it and allowing those who have contracted it to live a relatively normal life. However, there are still a few things that need to be taken into consideration if you have HIV, one of those things involves pregnancy and raising a child.
Here at Broadgate GP, we are a reliable private GP who offer a range of sexual health services, including HIV testing and pregnancy services. This means that we know the important steps a pregnant person should take to ensure that their pregnancy runs smoothly, and to have the best chance at avoiding passing the condition along to the baby both during and after pregnancy. Keep reading for more information.
What is HIV?
Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a virus that weakens your ability to fight disease and infections by damaging the cells in your immune system. The virus is transmitted from person to person via bodily fluids, including semen, vaginal fluid, blood, and breast milk. There is currently no cure for HIV, however with treatment, the condition is manageable and allows most people to live a healthy, long life. Some precautions must be taken, such as those who are HIV positive being unable to donate blood and people who are pregnant requiring additional support during pregnancy.
HIV Testing During Pregnancy
Once a pregnancy has been confirmed, a blood test will be offered during their first booking appointment, with permission being required for an HIV test. The test is optional but is usually a good idea as if the virus is found, a plan can be put in place to prevent it passing to the baby. If there is a chance of exposure after the first blood test, you will be given the choice to receive another test. Inform your midwife if you believe you may have been exposed to the virus.
If you already have an HIV diagnosis and take antiretroviral medication, we advise you to keep taking it until you have spoken to your HIV team or midwife. A change of medicine may be advised if there is an alternative safer for the baby and if you aren’t already on it, medical advice may recommend you do so to protect both the welfare of you and your baby.
Labour and Birth
HIV limits your options when it comes to your choice for location to give birth, as it is highly advised you do so at a hospital rather than at home to reduce the risk of the virus spreading from the pregnant person to the baby. This is because your baby will require testing after the birth to ensure that they have not contracted the virus and be given treatment to further reduce the risk.
If the HIV level in your blood is low, you will be able to give birth vaginally as the risk of passing the virus to the baby during birth is drastically reduced. For people with high levels of HIV in the blood, a caesarean section is highly recommended. Within 48 hours of birth, your baby will be tested for HIV and additional tests will take place when they are 6, 12, and 18 months old.
Reducing Transmission Risk
There are many steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of transmission from a person who is HIV positive to a baby during pregnancy. For those who are planning to get pregnant in the future, a discussion with your GP or HIV team can open the door to a referral to an antenatal HIV team, which may include an obstetrician, paediatrician, and an HIV specialist. They may also be able to put you in touch with support groups in the area, who can help ease concerns during pregnancy.
Some other steps to take to reduce transmission risk includes:
- Regularly take antiretroviral medications during pregnancy
- Giving birth via c-section, especially if HIV levels in the blood are high
- Taking antiretroviral medication during labour
- Providing your baby with antiretroviral medication
- Feeding via bottle rather than breast
If you are HIV positive and expecting, taking these steps reduces the risk of transmission to your baby by 100 to 1.
Contact Broadgate GP to find out more!
Would you like to know more about what to expect when it comes to HIV and pregnancy? Let our team at Broadgate GP help! Our friendly and experienced medical practitioners are on hand to offer advice and guidance as well as providing professional STD testing for our patients in London, so don’t wait to get in touch now!
Looking for more information about HIV or pregnancy? Check out our blog! We have helpful articles to help you understand more about both conditions, including How To Support Your Partner During Pregnancy and How to Protect Yourself from Catching HIV!
