I am HIV positive and pregnant. What should I do about drug therapy, and will my baby be born HIV positive?
If you are HIV positive and pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, you should talk with your doctor as soon as possible about your treatment options. No one can tell you for sure if your baby will be born HIV positive. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to your baby.
Currently, the only drug proven to reduce the risk of transmitting the HIV virus to the baby is Zidovudine (AZT). Treatment should begin after the 14th week of pregnancy and continue until delivery. During labor, AZT will be given to the mother intravenously. After birth, the baby will receive AZT for the first 6 weeks of life. You should ask your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of antiretroviral drug therapy.
