Pregnancy and HIV disease

Issues that positive women may face when they're pregnant

August 2005     View PDF     En español

Bloodless C-section

A “bloodless C-section” or “bloodless delivery” is another option that women may choose. It is an elective C-section where the mother’s blood vessels are cauterized so the baby isn’t exposed to the mother’s blood. Cauterization uses an agent (such as heat, cold or electricity) to scar and burn blood vessels as they’re being cut so they don’t bleed. Once the mother’s blood vessels are cauterized, the amniotic sac is opened and the baby is removed. Experimentation with bloodless C-section continues in search of a way to further reduce the contact with maternal blood and fluids. The benefits of this procedure in terms of preventing HIV transmission and its risks to the mother have not been fully explored. The procedure is expensive (around $8,000) and may not be covered by insurance.