A Service of the U.S.

Department
of Health and Human Services
HIV During Pregnancy,
Labor and Delivery,
and After Birth

Health Information for HIV Positive Pregnant Women

May 2009
Fact Sheets
P.O. Box 6303, Rockville, MD 20849-6303
Telephone: 1-800-448-0440
International: 1-301-315-2816
Fax: 1-301-315-2818
TTY/TTD: 1-888-480-3739
Live Help: http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/LiveHelp
E-mail: ContactUs@aidsinfo.nih.gov
Web: http://aidsinfo.nih.gov

HIV During Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery,
and After Birth
This series of fact sheets is intended for women who are HIV positive and pregnant or have
recently given birth. These fact sheets describe the steps an HIV positive pregnant woman
can take to preserve her health and prevent transmission of HIV to her baby.
These fact sheets are designed as a series, but can also be used as stand-alone documents.
The information in these fact sheets is based on the U.S. Public Health Service's
Recommendations for Use of Antiretroviral Drugs in Pregnant HIV-Infected Women
for Maternal Health and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal HIV Transmission in the
United States and Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Pediatric HIV
Infection (available at http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines).
A Service of the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services
Reviewed
May 2009
Table of Contents
HIV Testing and Pregnancy
Treatment Regimens for HIV Positive
Pregnant Women
Safety and Toxicity of Anti-HIV
Medications During Pregnancy
Delivery Options for HIV Positive
Pregnant Women
HIV Positive Women and Their Babies
After Birth
This information is based on the U.S. Public Health Service's Recommendations for Use of Antiretroviral Drugs in Pregnant
HIV-Infected Women for Maternal Health and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal HIV Transmission in the United States and
Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Pediatric HIV Infection (available at http://aidsinfo.nih.gov).
HIV Testing and Pregnancy
I am pregnant, and I may have HIV. Will I
be tested for HIV when I visit a doctor?
In most cases, health care providers cannot test you for
HIV without your permission. However, the U.S. Public
Health Service recommends that all pregnant women be
tested. If you are thinking about being tested, it is important
to understand the different ways perinatal HIV testing is
done. There are two main approaches to HIV testing in
pregnant women: opt-in and opt-out testing.
In opt-in testing, a woman cannot be given an HIV test
unless she specifically requests to be tested. Often, she
must put this request in writing.
In opt-out testing, health care providers must inform
pregnant women that an HIV test will be included in the
standard group of tests pregnant women receive. A woman
will receive that HIV test unless she specifically refuses.
The CDC currently recommends that health care providers
adopt an opt-out approach to perinatal HIV testing.
What are the benefits of being tested?
By knowing your HIV status, you and your doctor can
decide on the best treatment for you and your baby and
can take steps to prevent mother-to-child transmission
of HIV. It is also important to know your HIV status so
that you can take the appropriate steps to avoid infecting
others (see Understanding HIV Prevention Fact
Sheet).
What happens if I agree to be tested?
If you agree to be tested, your doctor should counsel you
before the test about the way your life may change after
you receive the test results. If the test indicates that you
have HIV, you should be given a second test to confirm the
results. If your second test is positive for HIV, you and
your doctor will decide which treatment options are best
for you and your baby (see Treatment Regimens for
HIV Positive Pr egnant Women Fact Sheet ). If the test
indicates that you do not have HIV, you may receive
counseling on HIV prevention.
What happens if I refuse to be tested?
If you decide that you do not want to be tested for HIV,
your doctor may offer you counseling about the way HIV
is transmitted and the importance of taking steps to prevent
HIV transmission. He or she may also talk to you about the
importance of finding out your HIV status so that you can
take steps to prevent your baby from becoming infected.
Will my baby be tested for HIV?
Health care providers recommend that all babies born to
HIV positive mothers be tested for HIV. However, states
differ in the ways they approach HIV testing for babies.
some states require that babies receive a mandatory
HIV test if the status of the mother is unknown
some states require that health care providers test babies
for HIV unless the mother refuses
some states are only required to offer an HIV test to
pregnant women (not their babies), which they can either
accept or refuse
some states have no specific requirements about testing
pregnant women or their babies.
How can I find out the testing policies of my
state?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) can provide you with HIV testing information for
your state. Contact HHS at 1 877 696 6775 or
202 619 0257.
For more information:
Contact your doctor or an AIDSinfo Health Information
Specialist at 1 800 448 0440 or http://aidsinfo.nih.gov.
A Service of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
HIV and Pregnancy Perinatal Testing
Terms Used in This Fact Sheet:
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): an
agency of the U.S. Federal government that focuses on
disease prevention and control, environmental health, and
health promotion and education. http://www.cdc.gov.
Mother-to-child transmission: the passage of HIV from an HIV
positive mother to her infant. The infant may become infected
while in the womb, during labor and delivery, or through
breastfeeding. Also known as perinatal transmission.
Perinatal HIV testing: testing for HIV during pregnancy or
during labor and delivery.
Reviewed
May 2009
This information is based on the U.S. Public Health Service's Recommendations for Use of Antiretroviral Drugs in
Pregnant HIV-Infected Women for Maternal Health and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal HIV Transmission in the
United State (available at http://aidsinfo.nih.gov).
Treatment Regimens for HIV Positive
Pregnant Women
I am HIV positive and pregnant. Should I
take anti-HIV medications?
Yes. If you are HIV positive and pregnant, it is
recommended that you take anti-HIV medications to
prevent your baby from becoming infected with HIV, and
in some cases, for your own health. Anti-HIV medications
are recommended for all pregnant women regardless of
CD4 count and viral load. HIV treatment is an
important part of preventing your baby from becoming
infected with HIV and maintaining your health.
When should I consider starting anti-HIV
treatment?
When you start treatment will depend mostly on whether
you need treatment only to prevent your baby from
becoming infected with HIV or if you also need treatment
for your own health. In general, it is recommended that
pregnant women who are starting therapy for their own
health be treated as soon as possible, including in the first
trimester. For women who are beginning therapy only to
prevent mother-to-child transmission, delaying anti-
HIV medication until after the first trimester can be
considered. You should discuss when to begin treatment
with your doctor.
How do I find out which HIV treatment
regimen is best for me?
Decisions about which HIV treatment regimen you will
start should be based on many of the same factors that
women who are not pregnant must consider. These
factors include:
risk that the HIV infection may become worse
risks and benefits of delaying treatment (see Starting
Anti-HIV Medications Fact Sheet )
potential drug toxicities and interactions with other
drugs you are taking (see Safety and Toxicity of Anti-
HIV Medications during Pregnancy Fact Sheet )
the need to adhere to a treatment regimen closely (see
Fact Sheet: What is Treatment Adherence?)
the results of drug resistance testing
In addition to these factors, pregnant women must
consider the following issues:
benefit of lowering viral load and reducing the risk of
mother-to-child transmission of HIV
unknown long-term effects on your baby if you take
anti-HIV medications during your pregnancy
information available about the use of anti-HIV
medications during pregnancy
You should discuss your treatment options with your
doctor so that together you can decide which treatment
regimen is best for you and your baby.
A Service of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
HIV and Pregnancy Treatment Regimens
Terms Used in This Fact Sheet:
CD4 count: CD4 cells, also called T cells or CD4
+
T cells,
are white blood cells that fight infection. HIV destroys CD4
cells, making it harder for your body to fight infections. A
CD4 count is the number of CD4 cells in a sample of blood.
Drug resistance testing: a laboratory test to determine if an
individual's HIV strain is resistant to any anti-HIV
medications. HIV can mutate (change form), resulting in HIV
that cannot be controlled with certain medications.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART): the name
given to treatment regimens that aggressively suppress HIV
replication and progression of HIV disease. The usual HAART
regimen combines three or more anti-HIV drugs.
Intravenous (IV): the administration of fluid or medicine into
a vein.
Mother-to-child transmission: the passage of HIV from an
HIV positive mother to her infant. The infant may become
infected while in the womb, during labor and delivery, or
through breastfeeding. Also known as perinatal transmission.
Viral load: the amount of HIV in a sample of blood.
Page 1 of 2
Reviewed
May 2009
This information is based on the U.S. Public Health Service's Recommendations for Use of Antiretroviral
Drugs in Pregnant HIV-Infected Women for Maternal Health and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal HIV
Transmission in the United States (available at http://aidsinfo.nih.gov).
Treatment Regimens for HIV Positive Pregnant Women (continued)
A Service of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
HIV and Pregnancy Treatment Regimens
Page 2 of 2
Reviewed
May 2009
What treatment regimen should I follow
during my pregnancy if I have never taken
anti-HIV medications?
Your best treatment options depend on when you were
diagnosed with HIV, when you found out you were
pregnant, at what point you sought medical treatment
during your pregnancy, and whether you need treatment
for your own health. Women who are in the first trimester
of pregnancy and who do not have symptoms of HIV
disease may consider delaying treatment until after 10 to
12 weeks into their pregnancies. After the first trimester,
pregnant women with HIV should receive at least AZT
(Retrovir or zidovudine); your doctor may recommend
additional medications depending on your CD4 count, viral
load, and drug resistance testing.
I am currently taking anti-HIV medications,
and I just learned that I am pregnant.
Should I stop taking my medications?
Do not stop taking any of your medications without
consulting your doctor first. Stopping HIV treatment could
lead to problems for you and your baby. If you are taking
anti-HIV medications and your pregnancy is identified
during the first trimester, talk with your doctor about the
risks and benefits of continuing your current regimen.
Your doctor may recommend that you change the
medications you take. If your pregnancy is identified after
the first trimester, it is recommended that you continue
with your current treatment. No matter what HIV
treatment regimen you were on before your pregnancy, it
is generally recommended that AZT become part of your
regimen.
This information is based on the U.S. Public Health Service's Recommendations for Use of Antiretroviral
Drugs in Pregnant HIV-Infected Women for Maternal Health and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal HIV
Transmission in the United States (available at http://aidsinfo.nih.gov).
Will I need treatment during labor and
delivery?
Most mother-to-child transmission of HIV occurs around
the time of labor and delivery. Therefore, HIV treatment
during this time is very important for protecting your baby
from HIV infection. Several treatments can be used
together to reduce the risk of transmission to your baby.
1. Highly active antir etroviral therapy (HAART) is
recommended even for HIV-infected pregnant women
who do not need treatment for their own health. If
possible, HAART should include AZT (Retrovir or
zidovudine).
2. During labor and delivery, you should receive
intravenous (IV) AZT.
3. Your baby should take AZT (in liquid form) every 6
hours for 6 weeks after birth.
If you have been taking any other anti-HIV medications
during your pregnancy, your doctor will probably
recommend that you continue to take them on schedule
during labor.
Better understanding of HIV transmission has contributed
to dramatically reduced rates of mother-to-child
transmission of HIV. Discuss the benefits of HIV
treatment during pregnancy with your doctor; these
benefits should be weighed against the risks to you and to
your baby.
For more information:
Contact your doctor or an AIDSinfo Health Information
Specialist at 1 800 448 0440 or http://aidsinfo.nih.gov.
Safety and Toxicity of Anti-HIV Medications
During Pregnancy
A Service of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
HIV and Pregnancy Drug Safety
Terms Used in This Fact Sheet:
Diabetic ketoacidosis: a complication of diabetes in which
sugar is not broken down for energy and fat is broken down
instead. This leads to an unhealthy buildup of ketones (fat
by-products).
Entry inhibitor: class of anti-HIV medication. Entry
inhibitors work by preventing HIV from entering a cell.
Integrase inhibitor: class of anti-HIV medication. Integrase
inhibitors prevent the HIV integrase protein from inserting
HIV's genetic information into an infected cell's own DNA.
In utero: the time an unborn baby is in its mother's uterus.
Mitochondrial toxicity: damage to the mitochondria (rod-
like structures that serve as a cell's powerhouse) that can
cause problems in the heart, nerves, muscles, pancreas,
kidneys, and liver.
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI):
class of anti-HIV medication. NNRTIs work by blocking
reverse transcriptase, a protein that HIV needs to make
copies of itself.
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI): class of
anti-HIV medication. NRTIs are faulty versions of the
building blocks (nucleosides) used by reverse transcriptase,
a protein that HIV needs to make copies of itself.
Protease inhibitor (PI): class of anti-HIV medication. PIs
work by blocking protease, a protein that HIV needs to
make copies of itself.
Reviewed
May 2009
This information is based on the U.S. Public Health Service's Recommendations for Use of Antiretroviral
Drugs in Pregnant HIV-Infected Women for Maternal Health and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal HIV
Transmission in the United States (available at http://aidsinfo.nih.gov).
I am HIV positive and pregnant. Are there any
anti-HIV medications that may be dangerous
to me or my baby during my pregnancy?
Yes. Although information on anti-HIV medications in
pregnant women is limited, enough is known to make
recommendations about medications for you and your baby.
However, the long-term effects of babies exposure to anti-
HIV medications in utero are unknown. Talk to your doctor
about which medications may be harmful during your
pregnancy and what medication and dose changes are
possible.
In general, protease inhibitors (PIs) are associated with
increased levels of blood sugar (hyperglycemia),
development of diabetes mellitus or worsening of diabetes
mellitus symptoms (see Hyperglycemia Fact Sheet), and
diabetic ketoacidosis. Pregnancy is also a risk factor for
hyperglycemia, but it is not known whether PI use increases
the risk for pregnancy-associated hyperglycemia or
gestational diabetes.
Two non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
(NNRTIs), Rescriptor (delavirdine) and Sustiva (efavirenz),
are not recommended for the treatment of HIV-infected
pregnant women. Use of these medications during
pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Another NNRTI,
Viramune (nevirapine), may be part of your HIV treatment
regimen. Long-term use of Viramune may cause negative
side effects, such as exhaustion or weakness; nausea or lack
of appetite; yellowing of eyes or skin; or signs of liver
toxicity, such as severe skin rash, chills, fever, sore throat, or
other flu-like symptoms, liver tenderness or enlargement or
elevated liver enzyme levels (see Hepatotoxicity Fact
Sheet). These negative side effects are not normally seen
with short-term use (one or two doses) of Viramune during
pregnancy. However, because pregnancy and early
symptoms of liver toxicity can be similar, your doctor should
monitor you closely while you are taking Viramune. Also,
Viramune should be used with caution in women who have
never received HIV treatment and who have CD4 counts
greater than 250 cells/mm
3
. Liver toxicity has occurred more
frequently in these patients.
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NR TIs)
may cause mitochondrial toxicity, which may lead to a
buildup of lactic acid in the blood. This buildup is known as
hyperlactatemia or lactic acidosis (see Lactic Acidosis
Fact Sheet). This toxicity may be of particular concern for
pregnant women and babies exposed to NRTIs in utero.
There is very little known about the use of the entry
inhibitors Fuzeon (enfuvirtide) and Selzentry (maraviroc)
and the integrase inhibitor, Isentress (raltegravir), during
pregnancy.
For more information:
Contact your doctor or an AIDSinfo Health Information
Specialist at 1 800 448 0440 or http://aidsinfo.nih.gov.
Delivery Options for HIV Positive Pregnant Women
I am HIV positive and pregnant. What
delivery options are available to me when I
give birth?
Depending on your health and treatment status, you may
plan to have either a cesarean (also called c-section) or a
vaginal delivery. The decision of whether to have a
cesarean or a vaginal delivery is something that you
should discuss with your doctor during your pregnancy.
How do I decide which delivery option is
best for my baby and me?
It is important that you discuss your delivery options with
your doctor as early as possible in your pregnancy so that
he or she can help you decide which delivery method is
most appropriate for you.
Cesarean delivery is recommended for an HIV positive
mother when:
her viral load is unknown or is greater than 1,000
copies/mL at 36 weeks of pregnancy
she has not taken any anti-HIV medications or has
only taken AZT (Retrovir or zidovudine) during her
pregnancy
she has not received prenatal care until 36 weeks into
her pregnancy or later
To be most effective in preventing transmission, the
cesarean should be scheduled at 38 weeks or should be
done before the rupture of membranes (also called
water breaking).
Vaginal delivery is recommended for an HIV positive
mother when:
she has been receiving prenatal care throughout her
pregnancy
she has a viral load less than 1,000 copies/mL at 36
weeks, and
Vaginal delivery may also be recommended if a mother
has ruptured membranes and labor is progressing rapidly.
What are the risks involved with these
delivery options?
All deliveries have risks. The risk of mother-to-child
transmission of HIV may be higher for vaginal delivery
than for a scheduled cesarean. For the mother, cesarean
delivery has an increased risk of infection, anesthesia-
related problems, and other risks associated with any type
of surgery. For the infant, cesarean delivery has an
increased risk of infant respiratory distress.
Is there anything else I should know about
labor and delivery?
Intravenous (IV) AZT should be started 3 hours before a
scheduled cesarean delivery and should be continued until
delivery. IV AZT should be given throughout labor and
delivery for a vaginal delivery. It is also important to
minimize the baby's exposure to the mother's blood. This
can be done by avoiding any invasive monitoring and
forceps- or vacuum-assisted delivery.
All babies born to HIV positive mothers should receive
anti-HIV medication to prevent mother-to-child
transmission of HIV. The usual treatment for infants is 6
weeks of AZT; sometimes, additional medications are also
given (see the HIV Positive Women and Their Babies
After Birth Fact Sheet ).
For more information:
Contact your doctor or an AIDSinfo Health Information
Specialist at 1 800 448 0440 or http://aidsinfo.nih.gov.
A Service of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
HIV and Pregnancy Delivery Options
Terms Used in This Fact Sheet:
Intravenous (IV): the administration of fluid or medicine into a
vein.
Mother-to-child transmission: the passage of HIV from an HIV
positive mother to her infant. The infant may become infected
while in the womb, during labor and delivery, or through
breastfeeding. Also known as perinatal transmission.
Prenatal: the time before birth.
Rupture of membranes: when the sac containing the unborn
baby bursts or develops a hole. Also known as water breaking.
Reviewed
May 2009
This information is based on the U.S. Public Health Service's Recommendations for Use of Antiretroviral
Drugs in Pregnant HIV-Infected Women for Maternal Health and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal HIV
Transmission in the United States (available at http://aidsinfo.nih.gov).
HIV Positive Women and Their Babies
After Birth
I am an HIV positive pregnant woman, and
I am currently on an HIV regimen. Will my
regimen change after I give birth?
Many women who are on an HIV treatment regimen
during pregnancy decide to stop or change their regimens
after they give birth. You and your doctor should discuss
your postpartum treatment options during your
pregnancy or shortly after delivery. Don't stop taking any
of your medications without consulting your doctor first.
Stopping HIV treatment could lead to problems.
How will I know if my baby is infected with
HIV?
Babies born to HIV positive mothers are tested for HIV
differently than adults. Adults are tested by looking for
antibodies to HIV in their blood. A baby keeps antibodies
from its mother, including antibodies to HIV, for many
months after birth. Therefore, an antibody test given
before the baby is 18 months old may be positive even if
the baby does NOT have HIV infection. For the first 18
months, babies are tested for HIV directly, and not by
looking for antibodies to HIV. When babies are more than
18 months old, they no longer have their mother's
antibodies and can be tested for HIV using the antibody
test.
Preliminary HIV tests for babies are usually performed
at three time points:
birth to 14 days
at 1 to 2 months of age
at 3 to 6 months of age
If babies test negative on two of these preliminary tests,
they should be given an HIV antibody test between 12-18
months. Babies who test negative for HIV antibodies at
this time are not HIV infected.
Babies are considered HIV positive if they test positive
on two of these preliminary HIV tests. Babies who test
positive for HIV antibodies will need to be retested at 15
to 18 months. At 18 months, babies should have an HIV
antibody test to confirm HIV infection. A positive HIV
antibody test given after 18 months of age confirms HIV
infection in children.
Are there any other tests my baby will
receive after birth?
Babies born to HIV positive mothers should have a
complete blood count (CBC) after birth. They should
also be monitored for signs of anemia, which is the main
negative side effect caused by the 6-week AZT
(Retrovir, or zidovudine) regimen infants should take to
reduce the risk of HIV infection. They may also undergo
other routine blood tests and vaccinations for babies.
A Service of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
HIV and Pregnancy After Birth
Terms Used in This Fact Sheet:
Adherence: how closely you follow, or adhere to, your
treatment regimen. This includes taking the correct dose at
the correct time as prescribed by your doctor.
Anemia: a condition in which there are too few red blood
cells in the blood. Without enough red blood cells, not
enough oxygen gets to tissues and organs. Symptoms of
anemia include fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): an
agency of the U.S. Federal government that focuses on
disease prevention and control, environmental health, and
health promotion and education. http://www.cdc.gov.
Complete blood count (CBC): a routine blood test that
measures white and red blood cell counts, platelets (cells
involved in blood clotting), hematocrit (amount of iron in the
blood), and hemoglobin (an iron-containing substance in
red blood cells). Changes in the amounts of each of these may
indicate infection, anemia, or other problems.
Mother-to-child transmission: the passage of HIV from an
HIV positive mother to her infant. The infant may become
infected while in the womb, during labor and delivery, or
through breastfeeding. Also known as perinatal transmission.
Oral: to be taken by mouth.
P. carinii/jiroveci pneumonia (PCP): a common opportunistic
infection in which fluid develops in the lungs. It is caused by
the fungus Pneumocystis carinii/jiroveci. PCP is considered
an AIDS-defining illness by the CDC.
Postpartum: the time after giving birth.
Page 1 of 2
Reviewed
May 2009
This information is based on the U.S. Public Health Service's Recommendations for Use of Antiretroviral Drugs in Pregnant
HIV-Infected Women for Maternal Health and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal HIV Transmission in the United States and
Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Pediatric HIV Infection (available at http://aidsinfo.nih.gov).
HIV Positive Women and Their Babies After Birth (continued)
A Service of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
HIV and Pregnancy After Birth
Will my baby receive anti-HIV medication?
Yes. It is recommended that all babies born to HIV
positive mothers receive a 6-week course of oral AZT to
help prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. This
oral AZT regimen should begin within 6 to 12 hours after
your baby is born. Some doctors may recommend that
AZT be given in combination with other anti-HIV
medications. You and your doctor should discuss the
options to decide which treatment is best for your baby.
In addition to HIV treatment, your baby should also receive
treatment to prevent P. carinii/jiroveci pneumonia
(PCP). The recommended treatment is a combination of
the medications sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.
*
This
treatment should be started when your baby is 4 to 6
weeks old and the 6-week course of AZT is complete. The
treatment should continue until your baby is confirmed to
be HIV negative. If your baby is HIV positive, he or she
will need to take this treatment indefinitely.
What type of medical follow-up should I
consider for my baby and me after I give
birth?
Seeking the right medical and supportive care services is
important for you and your baby's health. These services
may include:
routine medical care
HIV specialty care
family planning services
mental health services
substance abuse treatment
case management
Talk to your doctor about these services and any others
you may need. He or she should be able to help you locate
appropriate resources.
*
The combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim is known by
other names. For more information, see the Sulfamethoxazole/
Trimethoprim Drug Fact Sheet .
What else should I think about after I give
birth?
The CDC recommends that women not breastfeed in
areas where safe drinking water and infant formula are
available (such as the United States). This is
recommended to avoid transmission of HIV to infants
through breast milk.
Physical and emotional changes during the postpartum
period, along with the stresses and demands of caring for
a new baby, can make it difficult to follow your HIV
treatment regimen. Adherence to your regimen is
important for you to stay healthy (see Fact Sheet: What
is Treatment Adherence?). Other issues you may want
to discuss with your doctor include:
concerns you may have about your regimen and
treatment adherence
feelings of depression (many women have these
feelings after giving birth)
long-term plans for continuing medical care and HIV
treatment for you and your baby
For more information about HIV and pregnancy, your
doctor can contact the National HIV Telephone
Consultation Service (Warmline), a service that provides
health care professionals with HIV information. The
number is 1 8009333413.
If you are interested in joining a pregnancy registry that
monitors HIV positive women during their pregnancies
and after giving birth, please visit the Food and Drug
Administration's Guide to Pregnancy Registries at
http://www.fda.gov/womens/registries. Researchers
are especially interested in learning more about the effects
of anti-HIV drugs during pregnancy. HIV positive
pregnant women are therefore encouraged to register with
the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry at 1 800258 4263
or http://www.APRegistry.com.
For more information:
Contact your doctor or an AIDSinfo Health Information
Specialist at 1 800 448 0440 or http://aidsinfo.nih.gov.
Page 2 of 2
Reviewed
May 2009
This information is based on the U.S. Public Health Service's Recommendations for Use of Antiretroviral Drugs in Pregnant
HIV-Infected Women for Maternal Health and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal HIV Transmission in the United States and
Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Pediatric HIV Infection (available at http://aidsinfo.nih.gov).