HomeHealth articlespregnancyAIDS and Pregnancy

AIDS and Pregnancy

Verified dataVerified data
0
AIDS and Pregnancy

4 min read

Share

AIDS is a deadly infection that can be more severe in pregnant women. Read this article to know more.

Written by

Dr. Lochana .k

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Monica Mathur

Published At June 25, 2021
Reviewed AtNovember 28, 2022

What Is AIDS?

AIDS refers to Acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome. It will result in a life-threatening condition. AIDS is basically a viral infection that will interfere with the ability of the body to function normally. Long-term infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will result in various abnormal symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms experienced by HIV patients are:

  • Headache.

  • Fever.

  • Rash.

  • Muscle aches and joint pain.

  • Swollen lymph glands, mainly on the neck.

  • Sore throat and painful mouth sores.

  • Weight loss.

  • Diarrhea.

  • Night sweats.

  • Cough.

The ill effects of AIDS can be experienced in a more severe manner during pregnancy, breastfeeding, vaginal birth. The doctors might recommend the pregnant women go for a voluntary c-section to reduce the level of risk.

How to Identify Whether an Individual Is HIV Positive?

HIV test is required only for those who are in the high-risk category. Pregnancy is one such period that is considered a high-risk period. After confirming the pregnancy, it is good for the pregnant mother to go for an antenatal appointment. Here, you still get a chance to receive the HIV test. Testing is the only way to identify whether you have HIV or not.

Can HIV Be Transmitted From the Infected Mother to the Baby?

There are possibilities for the viral infection to get transmitted from the infected mother to the baby. With the modern advancement of the medical field, we can follow strict procedures in an effective way so that it is possible to protect the baby from deadly diseases like AIDS. The doctor will perform a thorough medical examination for the pregnant mother. Medications will be prescribed according to the health status. Medical reports prove that most of the medications given for HIV are safe for usage during the time of pregnancy. No notable elevation of risk has been identified to date. However, it is necessary for you to speak clearly with your healthcare professional regarding the benefits and risks associated with the consumption of any medication. A general physician, gynecologist, and specialist in AIDS would work together to save the good health of both the mother and the fetus.

There are possibilities for the virus to attack the bay directly during the delivery. The doctors make sure that the baby also gets medication immediately after the birth so that the infection that has been transmitted to the baby can be resolved. Medications play an important role in restricting a few other opportunistic infections. The medications that are given to the baby depend on a number of viral pathogens that are present in the baby’s body. A blood examination might be required for this purpose. In the initial stages of birth, multiple tests would be required to check the health of the mother and the fetus.

Can an HIV Positive Mother Breastfeed a Baby?

It is not advisable for the mother to breastfeed their baby. This is due to the fact that the viral pathogens can get transmitted to the baby through the breastmilk. Some mothers have a visible lesion in the breast, and this might be a high-risk factor. Many fear that if the baby is not fed with breast milk, then the baby might not receive proper nutrients. The Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics say that the breast milk of the infected mother can contain the viral infection. So, they recommend the mother choose formula milk as it is a healthy supplement. Babies who are fed with these supplements show better development in growth.

How to Safeguard the Baby Against HIV Infections?

To remain in the safer zone, the baby is tested for HIV infection immediately after birth and after one or two months. If this test is negative, then the baby is tested again after 18 months. This will ensure whether the health status of the baby is appropriate now and then. The treatment for the baby will be started only when some of these tests show a positive result. If any of the partners are tested positive, it is mandatory to start the medications as soon as possible. If you are delaying your dosage regimen, then you are increasing the chance of affecting the baby. Having sex during pregnancy is generally considered normal, but only if the mother is not having any health complications. During the pregnancy period, the HIV-positive mother should refrain from sexual practices because the virus can get a chance to affect the baby.

Can a Woman Plan a Pregnancy When Her Partner Has AIDS?

Women with an HIV-positive male partner suffer a higher risk of getting affected by the viral infection. Involving in protected sex might prevent the female from getting infected too, but this will restrict the ability of pregnancy. This is where the situation gets complicated. The safest way to prevent the transmission of the infection from the father to the mother and the baby is to choose alternate pregnancy plans. You might consider other medical options like assisted reproductive technology or receiving a donor sperm. In assisted reproductive technology, in vitro fertilization and semen washing are the two important factors involved. The cost of the procedures might vary according to the hospital standards. In vitro fertilization has been a blessing to many infertile couples. When this method can be implemented for such reasons, then it is definitely a smart option when the whole family has to be safe. However, these methods might not be morally and ethically acceptable everywhere. In such situations, you can talk to your doctor and ask them to recommend other ways for a healthy pregnancy.

What Are the Precautionary Measures to Be Followed?

It is necessary for both partners who are planning for a baby to get tested for HIV. If the male partner is HIV negative, then the woman can proceed with her pregnancy plan. If the male partner is HIV positive, then it is best to consult the doctor immediately. The medical professionals will recommend pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is represented in medical terms as PrEP. This PrEP serves as a protection for both the baby and the mother. If the mother is HIV positive, then another trustworthy caretaker should be present to look after the baby after birth. This can provide great emotional and mental support to the infected mother.

You can also contact icliniq.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Is It Possible to Conceive if Suffering From AIDS?

If a woman is diagnosed with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) or HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), it does not mean that she can not have children. However, there is a risk of passing HIV to the baby during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breastfeeding. But there are several ways to lower the HIV transmission to the fetus.

2.

Are There Any Risks to a Pregnant Woman With AIDS?

A pregnant woman with AIDS can possibly transmit HIV to her baby at any time during pregnancy and childbirth. Also, other adverse pregnancy outcomes are associated with AIDS, such as spontaneous early abortions, stillbirths, low birth weight babies, premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, and bacterial pneumonia.

3.

How Can AIDS Affect a Fetus?

Studies have shown that the prevalence of birth defects is higher in children exposed to HIV infection. Scientists have found that the risk of neural tube defects in pregnancies of women diagnosed with AIDS is high. Neural tube birth defects are defects of the spine, spinal cord, and brain.

4.

How to Diagnose HIV?

There are three types of diagnostic tests for HIV.
- Antibody Tests - This test checks for antibodies to HIV in the blood or oral fluids of a person.
- Antigen/Antibody Tests - This test looks for both antigens and antibodies to HIV. A person with HIV produces a p24 antigen before antibodies develop.
- Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT) - This test checks for the presence of an actual virus in the blood. This test is done for those who have had possible exposure to early symptoms and have tested negative with antigen/antibody or antibody tests.

5.

How to Avoid Stressing About HIV?

 
- Be sure to get enough rest and eat properly.
- Try physical activity to relax when nervous, upset, or angry. 
- Talk to someone about the worries and concerns. 
- Learn relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Reduce the amount of caffeine and alcohol.

6.

Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Breastfeeding?

HIV transmission from mother to fetus majorly occurs in the uterus, but breastfeeding is also a potential means of transmission as HIV has been isolated in breast milk. Taking antiretroviral treatment reduces the risk of transmitting the infection substantially through breastfeeding.

7.

Can a Father With AIDS Have a Baby?

Yes, a man with HIV can have children with careful planning. Proper treatment and planning make it possible to have a safe and successful pregnancy and prevent HIV transmission to the partner and the baby.

8.

Can Sperm Be a Possible Means of Transmission of AIDS?

Body fluids, including semen, contain HIV if infected with the virus. An HIV-infected person can transmit HIV if his semen enters the body of his sexual partner during anal or vaginal sex.

9.

What Are the Preventive Measures for AIDS?

The preventive measures for AIDS include:
- Use of disposable syringes or needles.
- Practicing safe sex, such as using condoms.
- Regular health checkups.
- Monitoring blood transfusions and pregnancies.

10.

What Are the Universal Precautions for AIDS?

 
- Preventing exposure to blood and other body fluids of an infected person.
- Use of protective barriers, such as gloves and gowns.
- Proper waste disposal containing infected needles and other materials.
- Hand hygiene should be followed before and after all patient contact.

11.

What Is the Difference Between Standard and Contact Precautions?

Standard precautions are the basic infection control and prevention measures important to lower the risk of transmission of infections. Contact precautions are precautions taken to avoid transmission of infection if a person touches the infected person or contaminated surfaces or equipment, such as wearing gloves and a gown when entering a patient's room.

12.

How to Prevent a Baby From Getting Infected by an HIV-Positive Mother?

If a mother has HIV and she is taking HIV medications as prescribed throughout the pregnancy and childbirth, and HIV medications are also given to the baby for four to six weeks after birth, the risk of passing HIV to the baby can be lowered down to one percent or less.
Source Article IclonSourcesSource Article Arrow
Dr. Monica Mathur
Dr. Monica Mathur

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Tags:

aidspregnancy
Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Source Article ArrowMost popular articles

Do you have a question on

pregnancy

Ask a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy