Positive pregnancy

Some HIV positive women may feel or be told that they cannot or should not have children. This can cause great sadness and is incorrect.

The risk of transmitting HIV to your child can be as low as 1-2% if:

Your viral load is low or undetectable;
Your CD4 count is high;
You use antiretrovirals during pregnancy and delivery;
You have access to good obstetric care;
You have a caesarean birth;
You do not breastfeed;
Your baby is given AZT and possibly another drug.

More information and support

The Paediatric HIV Service at Sydney Children’s Hospital provides state-wide consultative services for the management of HIV positive women’s pregnancy and children with HIV, and resources and referrals nation-wide. Call 02 9382 1654.

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The article you are viewing is part of the larger (multi-page) resource Having a life. View the introductory page.

This article was first published in October 2003 - more than five years ago.

While the content of this article was checked for accuracy at the time of publication, NAPWA recommends checking to determine whether the information is the most up-to-date available, especially when making decisions which may affect your health.

Last updated: 7 Sep 05.

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