HIV and Pregnancy: Preventing Transmission to the Child (Discuss strategies for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV)

Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT)

Significant advancements in medical care have dramatically reduced the risk of transmitting HIV from mother to child. Here are key strategies for PMTCT:  

• Early HIV Testing for Pregnant Women:
  • All pregnant women should be routinely tested for HIV as part of their prenatal care.  
  • Early diagnosis allows for prompt initiation of treatment and interventions to prevent transmission.  
• Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for the Mother:
  • If a pregnant woman is HIV-positive, ART is crucial for both her health and to prevent transmission to her baby.  
  • ART should be initiated as soon as possible during pregnancy and continued throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.  
  • Adherence to ART is essential for its effectiveness.  
• Medications for the Infant:
  • In addition to maternal ART, infants born to HIV-positive mothers receive antiretroviral medications as a preventive measure.  
  • This medication is typically given for 4-6 weeks after birth.  
• Cesarean Section: In some cases, a planned cesarean section may be recommended to reduce the risk of HIV transmission during childbirth.
• Breastfeeding Considerations:
  • If the mother is on effective ART and has an undetectable viral load, breastfeeding may be an option.
  • However, in some cases, formula feeding may be recommended to completely eliminate the risk of HIV transmission through breast milk.