HIV and Pregnancy

These fact sheets on HIV and pregnancy are intended especially for HIV-infected women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. The fact sheets include information to help HIV-infected women stay healthy during pregnancy and reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to their babies.

The information in these fact sheets is based on the Recommendations for Use of Antiretroviral Drugs in Pregnant HIV-1-Infected Women for Maternal Health and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal HIV Transmission in the United States. The Guidelines are developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Panel on Treatment of HIV-Infected Pregnant Women and Prevention of Perinatal Transmission, a working group of the Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council (OARAC). The Guidelines are updated according to the latest advances in the management of HIV-infected pregnant women and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The current Guidelines are available on the AIDSinfo Web site at www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/Guidelines.

Managing HIV during pregnancy requires individualized treatment. Pregnant women should consult with a health care provider experienced in managing HIV during pregnancy. These fact sheets are not intended as a substitute for the expert advice and care of medical professionals. Because the Guidelines are developed for the United States, recommendations for the use of anti-HIV medications may not be applicable in other countries.

Table of Contents

• HIV Testing and Pregnancy
• Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV
• Anti-HIV Medications for Use in Pregnancy
• Safety of Anti-HIV Medications During Pregnancy
• Preventing Transmission of HIV During Labor and Delivery
• HIV-Infected Women and Their Babies After Birth