Login
Search

Search
Search

HIV and Pregnancy

Find reference

Guidelines

All pregnant women should be offered HIV screening at booking visit (8-12 weeks).

  • Initiate ARTAnti-retroviral therapy as soon as possible
  • Avoid amniocentesis unless viral load <1000 copies/mL
  • CD4 count every 3-6 months, HIV RNA viral load monthly until undetectable, then every 3 months

  • If viral load <50 copies/mL at 36 weeks → vaginal delivery is an option
  • If viral load >50 copies/mL → caesarean section only + zidovudine infusion 4 hours before

Mother:
  • Continue ART

Baby:
  • If maternal viral load <50 copies/mL → zidovudine
  • If maternal viral load >50 copies/mL → triple ARTAnti-retroviral therapy

All women should be advised NOT to breastfeed.
Author: Adams Lau
Reviewer:
Last Edited: 12/04/25