HIV and pregnancy

One of the most important achievements of modern medicine is that a woman with HIV can have a healthy, HIV-negative baby. With the right care, the risk of passing the virus to the child falls below 2%.

Testing in pregnancy

HIV testing is recommended for all pregnant women, usually at the first antenatal visit. Knowing your status early makes it possible to take the steps that protect the baby. Testing is free and confidential (see Testing).

If you are pregnant and have HIV

Don't panic — there is a clear and effective plan:

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) throughout pregnancy, to maintain an undetectable viral load;
• Specialist care at birth, adapted to your situation;
• Preventive treatment for the newborn in the first weeks, as medically advised;
• Feeding counselling — your doctor will explain the safest feeding option in your context.

How the baby is protected

Mother-to-child transmission can happen during pregnancy, at birth or through breastfeeding. Antiretroviral treatment lowers the mother's viral load and, together with the other measures, breaks these routes of transmission. The result: the great majority of babies are born HIV-negative.

Planning a pregnancy

If you have HIV and want a child, talk to your doctor in advance. With an undetectable viral load and planning, conception and pregnancy can be managed safely. For serodiscordant couples, options such as PrEP and U=U provide added protection.

The key message

Test early, follow treatment, and work with your medical team. See also the Prevention and Living with HIV pages.