HIV & Pregnancy

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• A retrovirus that attacks and destroys T lymphocytes
• Causes immunosuppression
• Can be transmitted to baby through placenta and breastmilk

Signs & Symptoms

• Fatigue and flu-like symptoms
• Diarrhea and weight loss
• Lymphadenopathy and rash
• Anemia

Effect on Mom

• Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
• Counseling and testing
• Frequent lab work (viral load, CD4 cells, antibodies)

Effect on baby

• Current research does not show whether or not antiviral meds have teratogenic effect on baby
• Can suffer from same side effects as mom

Risk Factors

• IV drug use
• Multiple sexual partners
• Bisexuality
• Maternal Hx of multiple STIs
• Blood transfusion (rare)

Treatment

• Mental health consultation, legal assistance, and financial resources
• Triple-drug antiviral therapy or HARRT
• Vaccinations against hepatitis B, pneumococcal infection, Haemophilus influenza type B, and viral influenza
• Cesarian birth reccomended to prevent transmission

Medication

• Retrovir (Zidovudine)
• Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
• Taken orally after 1st trimester (14 wks) and IV during labor
• Given to baby at delivery and 6 wks following birth
• Major side effect is bone marrow supression - periodic blood labs

life style changes

• Encouraged not to breastfeed
• Encouraged to practice safe sex - use of condoms
• Counseling for optimal nutrition, sleep, rest, exercise, and stress reduction

The End