Antiretroviral drugs are used during pregnancy as an effective means of preventing the transmission of HIV from a mother to her baby. Increasingly, evidence suggests that HIV treatment during pregnancy is not harmful. Taking HIV treatment during pregnancy greatly reduces the risk of passing on HIV to the baby, so the benefits outweigh any risks.

Generally, anti-HIV drugs are not used during the first three months of pregnancy unless you are already on treatment. Pregnant women are recommended to start HIV treatment between 14 and 24 weeks of pregnancy (depending on your health and viral load), unless you need to take it earlier for your own health. You may also be recommended to start earlier if you have a high viral load.

As a woman’s health improves, her fertility may also increase. If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, it’s recommended you discuss this with your healthcare team before you try to conceive. You should tell your HIV doctor or another member of your healthcare team immediately if you become pregnant. You can discuss your treatment options with them, and they will often help to arrange your antenatal care and work with other staff, such as an obstetrician, to ensure you get the appropriate care.

Some forms of hormonal contraception, including patches and implants, are less effective in women on many of the anti-HIV drugs, because of drug interactions. Most other forms of contraception are unaffected by having HIV or being on HIV treatment and some new drugs do not affect contraception. You can find out more about contraception options from your healthcare team.

For more information, see the NAM booklet HIV & women. 

There is no evidence that a baby conceived when the father is on treatment will be affected by the anti-HIV drugs.