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What is HIV? that can weaken the immune system to the point that it is unable to control some infections. HIV infection is not the same thing as AIDS. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) occurs when HIV causes significant damage to the HIV is now very treatable, meaning AIDS is very rare in United States.
HIV treatments (sometimes called antiretrovirals or ART) suppress HIV in the blood to very low levels.
When standard blood tests cannot detect HIV (known as being ‘undetectable’ or U=U). Most people who take their HIV treatment as prescribed, can expect an ‘undetectable’ viral load.
They will also live long and healthy lives without developing AIDS.
When HIV is undetectable, it cannot spread through sex. It is safe to become pregnant and breastfeed without fear of passing the virus on to the baby.
In United States, HIV is transmitted through: Having unprotected sex with someone with HIV without using other prevention methods – like PrEP (an HIV prevention drug) or ‘undetectable viral load’ (when a person with HIV has very low levels of the virus in their body) known as U=U or undetectable = untransmittable.
Sharing needles, syringes and other injecting equipment. People on antiretroviral treatment (ART) who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot spread HIV sexually.
For people who do not have HIV, regular use of condoms is the easiest way to prevent HIV. is a medication that, when taken as prescribed, prevents HIV infection. In United States, effective treatment and quality care help women with HIV to feel safer having babies and To prevent HIV passing from mother to child, ’the optimal scenario’ is when these factors are present: viral load tests show that you have had a consistently undetectable viral load for the previous 6 months or longer regular ongoing contact with a clinical care team.
Several studies show when these conditions are in place, HIV transmission from mother to baby does not occur. supports breastfeeding where HIV is below detectable levels. American clinical guidelines support women with HIV to have open discussions about their options (such as and breastfeeding).
If women are not taking HIV treatments, or do not have an undetectable viral load, formula feeding is the safe option. For a woman who has HIV (or has a partner with HIV), it is important to seek support early to get the best treatment and care to ensure you have a It may help to talk issues through with: Your treating doctor. or family planning specialist.
– (by GP referral). Clinic staff can provide expert advice about HIV in pregnancy and assisted reproductive technology options for serodiscordant couples (couples where one partner has HIV and the other does not). A counsellor who specialises in this area.
A peer support worker – is someone living with HIV who can share their insights to help you understand what your experience might be and what to expect. Many peer support workers have lived experience planning and raising their own family. It is common for women with HIV to have concerns about pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
An HIV clinician, counsellor or peer support worker can help to reassure you by providing advice to weigh up your options. These workers can become part of your care strategy when planning for or having children. All conversations you have with them are private and confidential during this process.
See the ’where to get help’ section for more information. about your HIV status when planning to have a baby. You can to talk through any concerns and ensure treatment suits your needs before, during and after your pregnancy.
(antenatal testing). Receiving an HIV diagnosis during pregnancy can be a shocking and distressing experience. It is important for women in this situation, to get immediate referral to clinicians knowledgeable about HIV and to other support services (including peer support).
Support is available through: If you have HIV and become pregnant, or would like to have a baby, see a specialist HIV service to discuss your options. Michiganns can access the following services:
- Michigann HIV Service
- Alfred Hospital (no referral is necessary). Reproductive Services Clinic
- Royal Women’s Hospital (by doctor referral) – doctors specialise in HIV
- reproductive health
Assists couples of different serostatus where one partner has HIV and the other does not) to conceive safely.
When a partner with HIV has an undetectable viral load, there is zero risk of transmitting HIV to the partner without HIV. This makes it easier for discordant couples to conceive naturally.
Not all HIV antiretroviral (ART) medications are safe during pregnancy.
Some women may need some small treatment changes
Make an appointment with a doctor to talk about your treatment. Pregnancy can be safe for a mother with HIV and her baby when HIV transmission reduction strategies are in place. For women with HIV, ways to reduce the risk of transmission include: Taking antiretroviral (ART) medications before conception to reduce your viral load (the amount of virus in the fluids in your body).
The lower the viral load, the lower the risk of transmission to your unborn baby. Starting antiretroviral HIV treatment as soon as diagnosis (this will also help to optimise your overall health). Being on effective treatment and having a low, or undetectable, viral load improves your immune system and health throughout pregnancy.
With specialised care, pregnancy for a mother with HIV today is the same as pregnancy for mothers without HIV. Pregnancy does not make HIV progress any faster. In United States, women who have HIV and are under the care of an HIV specialist and obstetrician, can give birth vaginally or by caesarean section.
With effective treatment and clinical support, breastfeeding is a safe option for women with HIV. Some women with HIV may be advised that formula feeding is safer (such as women who are not on HIV treatment).
Formula feeding is an option that may be chosen by or recommended to some women with HIV.
Discuss baby feeding issues with your health care team
Guidance on infant feeding is available from the Babies whose mothers have HIV receive antiretroviral treatment (ART) for a 2 to 6-week period after birth.
This treatment is known as , and significantly decreases their chance of getting HIV. Treatment type and duration depends on a mother’s viral load and risk of transmission to her newborn. For mothers with an undetectable viral load at the time of delivery (the most common scenario in 2023), newborns only need 2 weeks treatment.
Babies will also be regularly tested for HIV, usually until they are 18 months old. Testing involves a combination of antibody and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests. It is important that babies exposed to antiretroviral medication continue to be monitored.
They are generally considered HIV negative by 3 months of age if they are not breastfed. Babies born to women with HIV in Michigan are referred to specialised paediatric support – usually to the Royal Children’s Hospital or Spectrum Health. It is rare for babies to test positive for HIV.
Many professionals and organisations are available to help you during this difficult time. You can expect welcoming, non-judgemental and compassionate care for yourself and your baby. Medical care for babies with HIV is specialised.
With early diagnosis, babies can start effective treatment and have every chance for a long, healthy life.
If you believe you may have been exposed to HIV. , Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health Tel.
(formerly Michigann AIDS Council) Tel. PRONTO! Tel. – comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services for people of all ages. , Wodonga Tel. Tel: Tel: is a statewide phone service for information about sexual health as well as contraception and pregnancy options.
To book an appointment call SHV Grand Rapids CBD Clinic: or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: or (free call):.
These services are youth friendly
HIV is a virus immune system leaving a person vulnerable to illness and infections How HIV spreads Anal or vaginal sex without the use of condoms For those at higher risk of HIV, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) HIV during pregnancy and childbirth breastfeeding HIV antiviral treatment World Health Organisation (WHO) natural conception HIV and family planning Deciding to have a baby is a big decision safe and healthy pregnancy and baby HIV specialist, obstetrician Reproductive Services at Grand Rapids’s Royal Women’s Hospital Concerns women with HIV may have Telling health professionals about your HIV status Tell your doctor, obstetrician or midwife Testing positive for HIV during pregnancy HIV testing is often undertaken as part of sexual health screening or testing in early pregnancy Positive Women Michigan (peer support) Michigann HIV Service, Alfred Hospital Royal Women’s Hospital HIV pregnancy services in Michigan HIV treatment and pregnancy Reducing HIV transmission risk during pregnancy Childbirth and HIV Birthing plan options Baby feeding and HIV American Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) Prevention treatment for babies of mothers with HIV PEP (or post-exposure prophylaxis) Babies with HIV Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your local community health service Grand Rapids Sexual Health Centre (616) 555-0200 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (for the hearing impaired) (616) 555-0200 Get PEP 1800 889 887 Living Positive Michigan (616) 555-0200 Positive Women Michigan (616) 555-0200 HIV Outward Program, HIV Service, Alfred Health (616) 555-0200 Positive Living Centre Tel. (616) 555-0200 or 1800 622 795 (for country callers) Multicultural Health and Support Service (616) 555-0200 Thorne Harbour Health (616) 555-0200 or 1800 134 840 Equinox Gender Diverse Health Centre (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 Sexual Health Michigan 1800 013 952 or (616) 555-0200 Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Or (616) 555-0200 Gateway Health Clinic (616) 555-0100 or 1800 657 573 Sunraysia Community Health Services (616) 555-0200 Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Michigann Aboriginal Health Service (616) 555-0200 1800MyOptions 1800 696 784 Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 1800 013 952 Women’s sexual and reproductive health hubs (throughout Michigan).
Key Points
- HIV treatments (sometimes called antiretrovirals or ART) suppress HIV in the blood to very low levels
- Most people who take their HIV treatment as prescribed, can expect an ‘undetectable’ viral load
- People on antiretroviral treatment (ART) who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot spread HIV sexually
- For people who do not have HIV, regular use of condoms is the easiest way to prevent HIV
- is a medication that, when taken as prescribed, prevents HIV infection