Pregnancy and HIV disease

Issues that positive women may face when they're pregnant

August 2005     View PDF     En español

If you’re thinking about pregnancy ...

If you are considering getting pregnant, there are many issues to consider in addition to HIV, such as your age, other medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, whether you smoke, among others. Talking with a medical provider you trust can help you decide when it would be a good time to start trying to get pregnant. For example, some women start taking vitamins, stop smoking or switch their anti-HIV regimens before trying to get pregnant. Also, you could discuss with your provider what is known about the safest way you and your partner can conceive.

You just found out that you’re both
HIV-positive and pregnant …
If you’ve just been diagnosed with HIV and found out you’re pregnant at the same time, you are probably feeling strong emotions that may include anxiety, concern or fear. Depending on whether your pregnancy is planned or wanted, difficult emotions can overshadow other feelings of joy or excitement for a time. This is natural and you should give yourself time to deal with your emotions.

Talking with a counselor about your feelings and with a doctor about your pregnancy, HIV diagnosis, and options for care and treatment will help you plan your next steps and make decisions about how you want to proceed with your pregnancy. You may also find resources in your community like support groups, women’s organizations and AIDS service organizations. Take time to come to terms with your diagnosis as best you can and then make a decision about how you want to proceed with your pregnancy.

You’ve been HIV-positive for awhile and
just found out that you’re pregnant …
This is a good time to talk with your doctor about your overall health and your HIV disease. If you’re not already on anti-HIV medications, your doctor may suggest you start them depending on factors such as how many months you’re along in your pregnancy, your viral load and CD4+ cell count. You should start prenatal care, preferably with an OB/GYN who has some experience with HIV and pregnancy.