Today is an opportunity for everyone to come together in the fight against HIV.
HIV is a type of virus called a retrovirus that prevents the body's immune system from working properly; making it harder fighting off infections.
The virus can be passed from one person to another through the exchange of body fluids, particularly blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk.
Women with HIV infection are recommended to have yearly cervical smears.
In pregnancy, the virus can pass from mother to her baby through the placenta or during birth. It is therefore important to test for HIV early in pregnancy.
Anti-retroviral treatment (HAART) is safe in pregnancy and HIV positive women should receive multidisciplinary care from doctors specialising in obstetrics, paediatrics & HIV, as well as specialist midwives.
Pregnant women who are HIV positive will discuss their delivery options with their team.
The best way to give birth depends on the treatment they are taking (HAART), their viral load and CD4 count (white cell parameter) at 36 weeks gestation; as well as their previous obstetric history.
Thank you for reading!
References:
Commentaires