Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV

If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, get tested for HIV as soon as possible. If you have HIV, the sooner you start treatment the better

If you are a woman living with HIV, you can transmit HIV to you baby during pregnancy, child birth and during breastfeeding.

By adhering to HIV treatment as prescribed by your healthcare provider, you can prevent or reduce transmission of HIV to your baby and protect your health.

What else can I do if I am pregnant and Have HIV

• Visit your healthcare provider regularly
• Do not breastfeed or pre-chew food unless your healthcare provider advices you to do so.
• If your viral load is not adequately reduced, a cesarean delivery can also help prevent HIV transmission 
• Your baby will need to be put under HIV treatment for a period of time after birth. This will be in liquid form. This does not mean that your baby has HIV. Tests will be done after being on treatment to confirm if the baby has HIV or not. 

For more information about mother to child transmission of HIV, talk to your health care provider.