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Single-Page ViewCan HIV-Positive People Have Babies? 7 Myths About Pregnancy and HIV/AIDS
January 8, 2013
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If you thought the answer to the question in this headline was "No," have we got news for you! Some background: HIV treatment is more effective than ever -- and can deliver not only near-normal life spans, but also a radical drop in the likelihood of passing the virus to an intimate partner, if taken as directed. These factors and others have contributed to a veritable baby boom among people living with HIV. Doubtful? Don't let ancient medical reports and ignorance be your guides! Read on to learn more.  |
This article was provided by TheBody.com.  | ||
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Reader Comments:
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Comment by: Michael P.
(Chandler AZ)
Sat., Mar. 23, 2013 at 10:14 am EDT
Hi,
I am only 1 child in Family. About 4 years ago. I wa diagnostic HIV Pos. I was scare thinking I will be die. But go to Mayor clinics. And took Med but insurance don' t cover. So I am go search for help. Lucky I found one local in Phx. And meet specialist for HIV. My Doc draw my blood every 3 months and now is almost 4 years. My system get very strong. And now I am undectable. My red blood cell is increase. My Doc is very happy. Said you are go to the correct. I told her I like to joins the woman get get my own blood. To Carrie my Family? But I am scare to transfer HiV to her and the Baby. She said , No
I can help you if you really like to have one? But where find the girl or Woman? Will cost me a lot of money? Such I don' t have that kind the money? If any one think can help me? I will take care all the pregnancy and visit Doc. Or we can share the Baby?
Sincere
Hi,
I am only 1 child in Family. About 4 years ago. I wa diagnostic HIV Pos. I was scare thinking I will be die. But go to Mayor clinics. And took Med but insurance don' t cover. So I am go search for help. Lucky I found one local in Phx. And meet specialist for HIV. My Doc draw my blood every 3 months and now is almost 4 years. My system get very strong. And now I am undectable. My red blood cell is increase. My Doc is very happy. Said you are go to the correct. I told her I like to joins the woman get get my own blood. To Carrie my Family? But I am scare to transfer HiV to her and the Baby. She said , No
I can help you if you really like to have one? But where find the girl or Woman? Will cost me a lot of money? Such I don' t have that kind the money? If any one think can help me? I will take care all the pregnancy and visit Doc. Or we can share the Baby?
Sincere
Comment by: herbert
(AUSTRALIA)
Thu., Mar. 7, 2013 at 8:49 pm EST
I AM HIV POSITIVE WITH UNDETECABLE VIRAL LOAD BUT MY FIANCEE IS HIV POSITIVE AND HAVENT STARTED MEDS YET AND WE ARE HOPPING TO START HAVING CHILDREN IN THE NEXT 12 TO 18 MONTHS ..WHAT YOUR ADVICE ?HIS IT POSSIBLE?
I AM HIV POSITIVE WITH UNDETECABLE VIRAL LOAD BUT MY FIANCEE IS HIV POSITIVE AND HAVENT STARTED MEDS YET AND WE ARE HOPPING TO START HAVING CHILDREN IN THE NEXT 12 TO 18 MONTHS ..WHAT YOUR ADVICE ?HIS IT POSSIBLE?
Comment by: Jermaine
(Denver, CO)
Wed., Feb. 20, 2013 at 12:55 am EST
I am an actual testimony to this. IT is very possible for an HIV poz man to biologically father a child. :)Great topic!
I am an actual testimony to this. IT is very possible for an HIV poz man to biologically father a child. :)Great topic!
Comment by: A
(Brooklyn)
Thu., Feb. 7, 2013 at 7:48 am EST
I found out I was HIV+ when I was pregnant with my first child. I was told by dr. to have an abortion, as well as the internet (WedMd) in 1999. Thank God I didn't. I found a wonderful Dr. (Dr. Grunebaum at NY Hospital now) who delivered both of my HIV negative children. Yes, I took AZT & Nevirapine, I had intravenous AZT during birth, I had a scheduled c-section 10 days before expected due date, and I gave the baby six weeks of liquid / sweet AZT by mouth and had both regularly tested. The happiest day of my life-- the day(s) my children were born. The second happiest day(s)-- the days I was told they were negative. What a blessing (and no I'm not religious).
I found out I was HIV+ when I was pregnant with my first child. I was told by dr. to have an abortion, as well as the internet (WedMd) in 1999. Thank God I didn't. I found a wonderful Dr. (Dr. Grunebaum at NY Hospital now) who delivered both of my HIV negative children. Yes, I took AZT & Nevirapine, I had intravenous AZT during birth, I had a scheduled c-section 10 days before expected due date, and I gave the baby six weeks of liquid / sweet AZT by mouth and had both regularly tested. The happiest day of my life-- the day(s) my children were born. The second happiest day(s)-- the days I was told they were negative. What a blessing (and no I'm not religious).
Comment by: mandy
(south africa)
Fri., Feb. 1, 2013 at 2:16 pm EST
started arvs (atripla) 2 weeks ago, today discverd im 4 weeks pregnant, im not sure if i should terminate or keep the baby due to side effects, please advise.
started arvs (atripla) 2 weeks ago, today discverd im 4 weeks pregnant, im not sure if i should terminate or keep the baby due to side effects, please advise.
Replies to this comment:
Comment by: Ann
(Brooklyn, NY)
Thu., Feb. 7, 2013 at 7:50 am EST
Consult your dr. and if you don't like the reply consult another dr. (I did, though wasn't on atripla). I have two HIV negative children. Terminating is a huge decision and I look at mine and realize having them is the best thing I ever could've done in my life. To have listened to the first dr. that said have an abortion would've been a HUGE mistake!
Consult your dr. and if you don't like the reply consult another dr. (I did, though wasn't on atripla). I have two HIV negative children. Terminating is a huge decision and I look at mine and realize having them is the best thing I ever could've done in my life. To have listened to the first dr. that said have an abortion would've been a HUGE mistake!
Comment by: Renee
(Shreveport, LA)
Wed., Jan. 23, 2013 at 2:23 pm EST
I was strongly urged to reconsider having children. The doctor stated that it wouldn't be a good idea to bring a life into this world because of my HIV. She even went to the extreme of telling me birth control would be the best option, but quicly cleaned it up and stated, but if you decide to go ahead and have a child being that you have HIV, i will be glad to take care of you during your pregnancy.
I was strongly urged to reconsider having children. The doctor stated that it wouldn't be a good idea to bring a life into this world because of my HIV. She even went to the extreme of telling me birth control would be the best option, but quicly cleaned it up and stated, but if you decide to go ahead and have a child being that you have HIV, i will be glad to take care of you during your pregnancy.
Comment by: ghislaine
(Bamenda, Cameroon)
Wed., Jan. 23, 2013 at 5:35 am EST
although we have to do everything to avoid HIV infection, it no more sound like the end of the world. now it is possible to live a healthy long live and even thinking of having good healthy children. we just have to say thanks to the Lord for that.
although we have to do everything to avoid HIV infection, it no more sound like the end of the world. now it is possible to live a healthy long live and even thinking of having good healthy children. we just have to say thanks to the Lord for that.
Comment by: fidelix o.
(lagos Nigeria)
Mon., Jan. 21, 2013 at 8:20 am EST
this good at least the fear of a mother passing on the virus to her unborn baby is no longer there.
this good at least the fear of a mother passing on the virus to her unborn baby is no longer there.
Comment by: Cassi
(Oakland, CA)
Tue., Jan. 15, 2013 at 6:11 am EST
You forgot to mention that you can safely breastfeed even being HIV positive. The likelihood of passing HIV through breast milk is very slim. In fact, breast milk from an HIV-positive mother may actually protect the infant from HIV because of the antibodies against it that the mother will have made. But that's only the case if the child is exclusively breastfed. I'd love to hear more research about this!
You forgot to mention that you can safely breastfeed even being HIV positive. The likelihood of passing HIV through breast milk is very slim. In fact, breast milk from an HIV-positive mother may actually protect the infant from HIV because of the antibodies against it that the mother will have made. But that's only the case if the child is exclusively breastfed. I'd love to hear more research about this!
Replies to this comment:
Comment by: Renee
(Shreveport, LA)
Wed., Jan. 23, 2013 at 2:26 pm EST
Really? this is my first of hearing of this. of course i hadn't been researching much lately. But definitely puts a positive light on becoming pregnant and breastfeeding. And arises a few questions for the OB/GYN docs.....
Really? this is my first of hearing of this. of course i hadn't been researching much lately. But definitely puts a positive light on becoming pregnant and breastfeeding. And arises a few questions for the OB/GYN docs.....
Comment by: Jenn
(New York, NY)
Mon., Jan. 28, 2013 at 3:15 pm EST
While this may be true, there is still risk involved, and mothers should still consult with their doctors regarding breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics just released a report stating that in the US, where clean water and formula are readily available, mothers with HIV should not breastfeed their children.
Paper here:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2013/01/23/peds.2012-3543
While this may be true, there is still risk involved, and mothers should still consult with their doctors regarding breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics just released a report stating that in the US, where clean water and formula are readily available, mothers with HIV should not breastfeed their children.
Paper here:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2013/01/23/peds.2012-3543
Comment by: Olivia
(TheBody.com)
Mon., Jan. 28, 2013 at 6:19 pm EST
Yes, there are seemingly contradictory threads of information regarding breastfeeding and HIV, depending on the region of the world in which a person lives. The bottom line is, where replacement feeding is unavailable or unsafe, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for mothers living with HIV; in areas of the world where replacement feeding is a viable, safe option, the official recommendation states that the potential risks of breastfeeding outweigh the benefits of doing so. Check out this explanation: http://www.thebody.com/content/69874/12-questions-about-hiv-treatment-and-care-in-pregn.html?getPage=4#breastfeeding
Yes, there are seemingly contradictory threads of information regarding breastfeeding and HIV, depending on the region of the world in which a person lives. The bottom line is, where replacement feeding is unavailable or unsafe, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for mothers living with HIV; in areas of the world where replacement feeding is a viable, safe option, the official recommendation states that the potential risks of breastfeeding outweigh the benefits of doing so. Check out this explanation: http://www.thebody.com/content/69874/12-questions-about-hiv-treatment-and-care-in-pregn.html?getPage=4#breastfeeding
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