Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) is transmitted through sexual intercourse, (increases with multiple partners) blood transfusion (infected blood),drug addicts (sharing the same I V needle) and from mother to child.
Transmission of HIV infection from HIV+ mother to her child could be during pregnancy, at delivery or due to breast feeding. The chances for transmission is 30-40%.
If the HIV status of the mother is known, strategies to minimise mother to child transmission (reducing risks from 30-40% up to less than 1%) is possible.
Use of antiretro viral drugs in the mother, operative delivery and breast feeding recommendations are discussed with the HIV+ pregnant women and her husband/partner.
Know Your Baby
