Understanding HIV and Pregnancy
While it’s possible to have children if you’ve been diagnosed with HIV, there is the risk of passing HIV to your baby. However, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the number of children getting infected with HIV from their mothers has decreased by 90% since the mid-1990s. While these are promising statistics, it’s still essential to understand how to protect your baby and keep them healthy from conception to delivery. Here’s what you need to know.
How Does HIV Get Passed from Mother to Baby?
HIV transmission from mother to child is called perinatal transmission. Perinatal transmission is the most common way that children are infected with HIV. A mother can pass HIV to their baby in the following ways:
- During pregnancy
- While in labor
- While giving birth
- By breastfeeding
If you plan on getting pregnant and have been diagnosed with HIV, it’s crucial to speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will guide you with medical facts and advice to help you make an informed decision and assist you in developing a plan for a healthy pregnancy.
Can You Lower the Risk of Passing HIV to Your Baby?
The short answer is yes, there are ways you can reduce the risk. Here are some steps to take, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Let your doctor know that you want to get pregnant.
- Be sure to get prenatal care.
- Start HIV treatments as recommended by your doctor.
- Manage HIV medicine side effects as per your doctor’s direction.
- Do not breastfeed. (HIV can be passed through breast milk, so use formula instead.)
- Have your baby tested for HIV immediately after birth.
- Consult a pediatric HIV specialist to learn if your baby might benefit from anti-HIV medication.
Contracted an STD? We Are Here to Help
If you contracted an STD such as HIV from a partner who did not inform you of their status or refused to wear protection, you may be entitled to take legal action. You can rest assured that our team at KMD Law will fight to get you the compensation you deserve so you can move forward from your situation. We have extensive experience in this area of the law. When it comes to privacy-sensitive cases, you can trust our firm to protect you.
Contact KMD Law at (833) 456-3529 to schedule a consultation.
