How To Stay Healthy When You're HIV-Positive and Pregnant

The transmission of HIV from mother to child continues to be a critical concern within global public health networks. Research indicates that approximately 160,000 children are infected with HIV annually during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding. However, advancements in technology, medical science, and healthcare practices have significantly improved the well-being of HIV-positive pregnant women, resulting in a reduced risk of transmitting the virus to their newborns.

In this guide, we'll discuss how pregnant women living with HIV can stay healthy throughout their pregnancy journey by focusing on three primary areas:

• Working with healthcare providers
• The importance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in averting mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT)
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and building a support network

At SisterLove, our goal is to increase awareness of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV and to allow HIV-positive pregnant mothers to optimally manage their pregnancies.
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Understanding HIV and Pregnancy

HIV, short for human immunodeficiency virus, is a viral infection that specifically targets and weakens the human immune system. Left unattended, HIV can progress to a more lethal stage known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)—the most severe and progressive form of the disease.

Doctors recommend HIV testing before or during a pregnancy to help prevent perinatal transmission of HIV. Perinatal transmission is when the virus spreads from an HIV-positive woman to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or via breast milk. Detecting HIV at an early stage allows for the prompt initiation of HIV medication, enabling timely intervention and treatment.

Below, we'll discuss the key strategies HIV-positive and pregnant women can adopt to stay healthy.
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Work with Healthcare Providers

If you are HIV positive and pregnant, you will want to do everything possible to protect the baby. This may include attending scheduled prenatal visits as recommended by healthcare providers. Such visits allow healthcare professionals to monitor your health, provide interventions, and adjust treatment plans when necessary.

Working with healthcare providers incorporates some of the following procedures:

• HIV management: Collaborating with infectious disease specialists with expertise in managing HIV during pregnancy.
• Obstetric care coordination: Working closely with your obstetrician so they can monitor the progression of your pregnancy, address any obstetric complications, and consider the timing and mode of delivery.
• Laboratory testing: This ensures regular monitoring of your HIV viral load, CD4 count, and other important markers. Such tests enable the assessment of antiretroviral therapy and guide treatment decisions.

Since every mother's situation is unique, it's recommended that you consult a healthcare provider to attain personalized guidance. Make sure to cultivate a solid partnership with your healthcare team to manage your pregnancy effectively and avert mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
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Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) during Pregnancy

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a treatment method that entails the use of medications designed to combat HIV. Today, the standard ART approach to treatment involves a combination of drugs administered via a technique called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which effectively suppresses the replication of the virus.

Research shows that Antiretroviral therapy has reduced the rate of perinatal transmission of HIV from mother to child to 1% or lower in the US and Europe.

To combat the disease, pregnant HIV-positive women must adhere to ART medication regimens throughout pregnancy. After delivery, HIV medicines should be administered to babies born to HIV-positive mothers to lower the likelihood of perinatal transmission during breastfeeding.
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Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle and Building a Support Network

A well-balanced diet contributes to overall well-being and is vital in strengthening the immune system. In pregnant women, the immune system is a target of HIV, and once weakened, it becomes more vulnerable to infections. To combat this, experts recommend maintaining a well-balanced diet. This includes eating fruits, grains, vegetables, dairy products, and protein-rich foods. You should also opt for foods low in saturated fat, salt, and added sugars.

When it comes to building a support network, you can:

• Connect with support groups, counseling services, or therapy sessions tailored explicitly for HIV-positive pregnant women.
• Maintain regular communication with your healthcare team and develop a strong working relationship.
• Share your journey with your partner, family members, and close friends.
• Look for local or online organizations that support HIV-positive individuals or pregnant women.
• Investigate resources that can provide legal advice or financial support to ensure you have access to necessary healthcare services and medications.
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Wrapping Up

The transmission of HIV from mother to child during and after pregnancy continues to be a top concern globally. However, it's not without a remedy. By working closely with healthcare providers, following ART during pregnancy, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and building a support network, HIV-positive pregnant women can improve their health and minimize the risks of perinatal transmission.

For more information about HIV transmission and testing, visit our HIV 101 toolkit

For HIV testing and related queries, contact us today at (404) 254-4734.