Conception

HIV-positive women who wish to become pregnant may be advised to choose to conceive at a time when viral load is likely to be low, or easily controlled by HIV therapy.

The BHIVA/CHIVA guidelines on managing HIV infection in pregnant women suggest some actions HIV-positive women can take when preparing to conceive, including:

  • Taking folic acid.
  • Avoiding transmission to their male partner, especially if he is uninfected.
  • Aiming to delay conception until any opportunistic infections have been treated or prophylaxis is no longer required.1

It should be stressed however, that all HIV-positive women retain the right to make their own choices about fertility and childbirth, regardless of their health, and should be able to expect support from their doctors and healthcare workers in this regard.

Related Links

References

  1. de Ruiter A et al. British HIV Association and Children's HIV Association guidelines for the management of HIV infection in pregnant women 2008. HIV Med 9: 452-502. Available online at www.bhiva.org, 2008
This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.