The human immunodeficiency Virus weakens a person’s immunity system, making it difficult to fight against infection. HIV can be transmitted through body fluids or blood and using infected needles or sexual contact with infected person. There is no permanent cure for HIV; however, people living with HIV can lead a long healthy life by taking anti-retroviral medication such as Taficita and Emtricitable-Tenofovir-Alafenamide. Mothers have a high risk of passing this virus to their children during birth, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. However, 99% of HIV-positive women who followed the right treatment plan did not pass this virus to their babies.

Regular testing for HIV at the time of pregnancy

All pregnant women are suggested to undergo routine HIV testing, and it is always a good idea to get this test done to prevent the risk of spreading this virus to your baby. If you are HIV-infected, you should not stop taking the antiretroviral medication without your doctor’s recommendation. If you think you are exposed to the HIV virus, you should talk to your HIV team or GP before planning for pregnancy. If you become HIV infected during your pregnancy, you need to consult with HIV specialist who specializes in childhood and pregnancy. Your doctor will suggest things to reduce the risk of passing this virus to your baby. Some of the things that can be done to prevent this risk are-

• Taking effective antiretroviral drugs during the labor time as well as the delivery as per your doctor’s suggestions.
• Taking a balanced combination of effective antiretroviral drugs like tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg at the time of your pregnancy.
• Bottle feeding is advisable instead of opting for breastfeeding.
• If your blood test shows that the HIV level in your bloodstream is high, then it is better to go for C-section.

HIV treatment plan

When you follow these guidelines, chance of passing this virus to your baby becomes one out of 100 cases. There is no permanent cure for HIV, which is why pregnant ladies must manage and treat HIV by taking proper medication like Emtricitabine 200 mg. HIV can easily pass from the pregnant lady to the fetus, and with the help of antiretrovirals, the viral load of this virus in your body becomes lower, and there will be no risk of passing the virus to the baby. HIV treatment today is considered to be safe while pregnant. HIV gets passed on to the newborn at birth and delivery. If the test shows no viral load, the pregnant person can opt for vaginal delivery. However, C-section delivery is always advisable if there is a high viral load.

Conclusion

Children born to HIV-positive parents are tested for HIV within a few months of their birth. This test will determine the HIV in their blood. If test results become positive, then the infant will be HIV-infected. Infants who become HIV positive are given a medicine which reduces the risk of infection. Pregnant ladies must not breastfeed since the virus can be transmitted to the newborn through breast milk. HIV weakens and attacks the immune system, making it difficult for the person to fight against diseases. As HIV-positive ladies have a high risk of transmitting this virus to their child during delivery, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, therefore, it is important for them to follow the right guidelines.