Hi, In 2001 I fell pregnant and then tested +ve for HIV. My CD4 count was about 300 and my VL was 85000. I was then put on Combivir alone from the first trimester. By the time I delivered my baby my VL was 9000. My baby was given AZT straight after birth and had a PCR test at six weeks which came back negative. She is now 3yrs and healthy but I can't help but worry about the PCR results. Was it not too early for her to get tested? Secondly after the delivery my VL never dropped below 9000 so my doc reckoned I had developed resistance to Combivir. I am now on Kaletra and stocrin (Efavirenz) and I'm wondering what my options would be if I wanted a baby since i would have to drop stocrin. I've been on Zerit and Videx but had to stop because of peripheral neuropathy. What will I take if I fall pregnant and drop stocrin. I'm really optimistic about having more children and am looking forward to it. Thank you.

In non-breastfed babies, a negative PCR at 3 months means that they are not infected. It is difficult to comment specifically on your treatment options without more information on how you've responded to your regimens, your current CD4 count, and what your viral resistance testing showed. However, there are a number of antivirals that can be used safely and effectively during pregnancy. I would recommend that you look at the Guidelines for the Use of Antiretrovirals During Pregnancy, available on this web site under the "Treatment Guidelines" section. It reviews mother-to-child transmission, available antiretrovirals and recommendations for their use during pregnancy. You should then review your test results and your options with your care provider. Please fell free to write back if you have further questions.