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HIV-positive women undergoing pregnancy and childbirth processes

Navigating pregnancy, a significant milestone for every woman, assumes added medical and emotional dimensions for HIV-positive women. Yet, advancements in preventive strategies have substantially minimized the chance of viral transmission from mother to infant.

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Pregnancy holds significant importance in a woman's life, yet for HIV-positive women, it comes with...
Pregnancy holds significant importance in a woman's life, yet for HIV-positive women, it comes with additional medical and psychological factors. Thankfully, current prevention methods help minimize the likelihood of transmitting the virus from mother to child.

HIV-positive women undergoing pregnancy and childbirth processes

Pregnancy: A Life-Changing Journey for HIV-Positive Women – A Guide

Navigating pregnancy as an HIV-positive woman comes with its unique set of medical and emotional considerations. Fortunately, thanks to modern advancements, the risk of transmitting HIV from mother to child can be significantly minimized. Here's what you need to know if you're considering or already pregnant while living with HIV.

** Embracing Motherhood Despite HIV **

HIV no longer has to be a barrier to motherhood. Today, HIV-positive women can give birth to healthy children and lead full, happy lives. The key is to stay informed, seek medical guidance, and adhere to treatment and preventive measures.

Minimizing Risk: Modern Prevention Methods for HIV-Positive Mothers

Thanks to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and targeted preventive measures, the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission has been dramatically reduced in countries like Kazakhstan. ART plays a crucial role in reducing the viral load of individuals living with HIV, which significantly decreases the risk of transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. When the viral load is undetectable, the risk of transmission is less than 1%.

Preventive measures typically include:

  1. Antenatal care: Routine check-ups to monitor the health of both mother and child.
  2. HIV testing: Pregnant women are tested for HIV twice – at registration and at 28-30 weeks, and their sexual partners are tested once to ensure early detection and timely treatment.
  3. Safe delivery practices: Including scheduled cesarean sections in some cases.
  4. Infant feeding guidance: Advice on appropriate feeding options to prevent postnatal transmission.

Comprehensive Care for HIV-Positive Mothers

During pregnancy, HIV-positive women are under close medical supervision. They must stick to a regular regimen of ART, monitor their viral load and immune status, attend check-ups, treat any accompanying infections, and consult with appropriate medical specialists.

Avoiding breastfeeding is also important, as the risk of infecting the newborn can reach 20%.

Taking Charge of Your Health and Future

Proactive steps include:

  1. Early consultation: Consulting a doctor-infectious disease specialist and gynecologist as soon as you're planning or are already pregnant to establish a solid care plan.
  2. Regular appointments: Attending scheduled medical appointments to monitor the health of both mother and child.
  3. Adherence to treatment: Strictly following the prescribed treatment plan and medication regimen to maximize its effectiveness.
  4. Routine testing: Regular HIV, STI, Hepatitis B and C testing to ensure any potential issues are caught and addressed promptly.

Seeking Help and Support

If you're HIV-positive and considering pregnancy or are already pregnant, it's essential to seek guidance and support from medical professionals. The AIDS Prevention Center in Astana offers testing, treatment, and counseling services. Visit kazaids.kz for more information or contact them at (8) 7172-38-15-85 or 38-07-02.

A.D. Ahmetova,

Epidemiologist, GPP "AIDS Prevention Center" of the Astana Akimat

  • Science has significantly reduced the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child, with antiretrieval therapy (ART) playing a crucial role in minimizing the viral load and thus, the risk of transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
  • A comprehensive approach to health and wellness, women's health, and medical-conditions, including HIV, necessitates regular consultations, treatment adherence, and preventive measures under the guidance of medical professionals for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child.

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