Can you give birth to a HIV-neg baby if you have HIV?
The infection rates of HIV have sky-rocketed across the globe. Many HIV positive women wanting children may be wondering if there is hope for an HIV-free generation. The good news is that because of the successful Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, we have much fewer babies being infected with HIV. However, although …
The infection rates of HIV have sky-rocketed across the globe. Many HIV positive women wanting children may be wondering if there is hope for an HIV-free generation. The good news is that because of the successful Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, we have much fewer babies being infected with HIV. However, although these babies are not infected themselves, they are still affected: their mothers’ health and well-being are paramount to their own health.
Your viral load
The most important factor in preventing your child from getting HIV is to ensure your viral load is undetectable. An undetectable viral load means your antiretroviral treatment (ART) has reduced your HIV to such small quantities that standard blood tests can no longer detect it. If you are undetectable, you cannot pass HIV on through sex. The risk of transmitting HIV to your baby is also dramatically reduced. HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her child during pregnancy, during childbirth, and via breast milk. Therefore, by keeping your viral load undetectable, you can keep your baby safe and healthy. Adequate nutrition is one of the cornerstones of child health, and there is no doubt that breastfeeding is the best food for your baby. It does not only fulfil all their nutritional needs but also protects them from the disease. You can safely breastfeed your baby if your viral load is undetectable, meaning your baby gets all the nutritional benefits of breastfeeding, ensuring optimal growth and development, but also the emotional benefits of bonding with you.
7 Tips to help keep your baby healthy:
- Plan your pregnancy
- Get tested for HIV and take your ART every day
- Identify a friend or family member to support you
- Stay healthy: Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise
- Always practice safe sex: Use condoms during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Don’t miss clinic visits and go to your clinic regularly
- Keep your viral load suppressed
