When You’re Pregnant and Have HIV

Learn how to protect your unborn child

A pregnant woman with HIV has a one-in-four chance of infecting her unborn child. In fact, most children who have AIDS have been infected by their mothers during pregnancy, labor and delivery or through breastfeeding, according to the National Institutes of Health.

With proper care, you can lessen the chance of infecting your child. Your doctor may prescribe a number of drugs during your pregnancy and labor. Your newborn also may receive medication. Studies show this reduces their risk of getting HIV to less than 2 percent. Your doctor also may recommend a Cesarean section to help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to your child during labor.

HIV may also be transmitted through breast milk, so it’s important to talk to your doctor or nurse about alternatives to breastfeeding.

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