HIV in Pregnancy
HIV in Pregnancy
HIV in Pregnancy
Songchun He
Thea Rose Avila
Definition
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is a virus
that attacks the body’s immune system. In a healthy person,
the immune system protects the body from infections, cancers
and some diseases. Once HIV is in your blood, it controls and
kills CD4 cells (also called T cells). These cells help your immune
system fight disease.
Infant Testing. After birth, the baby is tested for HIV using
nucleic acid tests. This helps determine whether transmission
occurred during pregnancy or childbirth.
Medical Treatment
Initiate ART early in pregnancy with a combination of
safe and effective medications.