Transmission of HIV during Pregnancy

Transmission of HIV during pregnancy takes place from a HIV positive mother to her child. Studies show that in 20% to 45% of the cases, the HIV positive child inherits the virus from the mother.

The transmission of HIV, from mother to the child occurs by the following means:

• During pregnancy- The HIV is transferred through the blood and other internal systems that connect the mother to the baby.
• Labour and delivery- HIV is transmitted in the same way. The placenta plays a big role in the transmission of HIV during pregnancy.
• Breast-feeding- HIV is found in breast milk. Therefore, the mother should avoid breast-feeding and provide the baby with breast milk substitute formula.

It is very essential to take preventive drugs during the course of pregnancy and during breast-feeding. The modern medicines are very effective in reducing the chances of transmission of HIV during pregnancy. A mix of these medicines with formula feeding after pregnancy, can curtail the chances to transfer of the infection to less than 2%. Therefore, every HIV positive woman should go for these medications for a healthy life of her child.

Anti HIV Medicines

Anti Retrovial Drugs (ARV) are the best options, because, it can be consumed by both pregnant and non-pregnant women. However, ARVs have several types and one of them is AZT, which is recommended to those women who hold the risk of transmission of HIV during pregnancy. However, just AZT may not be enough for everyone. At times, it has to be coupled with nevirapine (NVP) and 3TC. Doctors often give one single dose of NVP during labour, to minimize the chances of transmission of HIV during pregnancy, in case no other options are available. This may be useful in many cases, though cannot be assured as the best option. Therefore, it is always good to take up a full course of medication during pregnancy, under the supervision of a good doctor.

If the woman has not taken any medicine and is about to go for a labour, then the doctors give her a combination of NVP, AZT and 3TC in one single dose. A course of AZT and 3TC, has to be followed for the next seven days. While, the baby gets one dose of NVP, right after his birth, and then a regular course of AZT, for one whole month. ZDV is another popular drug used instead of AZT, when the latter fails to work.

Safety

Many a time, women are asked not to take any medicine during pregnancy as that may be derogatory for the baby. However, many women have taken the risk of taking anti HIV medicines during pregnancy, only to yield a favourable outcome. In most cases the baby was HIV negative. However, it has to be kept in mind that not all medicines are favourable for every woman. It depends on

• Health of the woman
• What are the usual side effects the medicine produces

It also has to be kept in mind that not all medicines are suitable for every phase of pregnancy. The doctor knows best which would be the right medicine for that woman at a given period.

There are many medicines that help in prevention of transmission of HIV from the mother to the child. Pregnancy during HIV is no more a risky affair. With proper medication, get a safe life for your child.