Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a viral infection transmitted from a person to another through contact with blood and other body fluids, sex and through breastmilk. Such ways of contacting it include sharing of sharp objects, unprotected sex, transfusion of unscreened or poorly screened blood.

HIV test is recommended for pregnant women and those planning to get pregnant. The test can only be done with your consent, meaning you can decide not to have the test. Knowing your status however will help to plan your pregnancy and protect you if you test negative, it helps also to prevent transmission of the virus to the baby for mothers who test positive.

What is HIV test about

HIV test is done after an informed consent; even though the test is recommended and beneficial, you will be offered the choice to do it or not. If you choose to have the test, your blood will be collected for a screening HIV test; if this is negative your status is okay. If the screening test is positive, another test (a confirmatory test) will be done.

How to prevent transmission to the baby if mother is HIV positive

Your doctor may recommend

1. Intake of antiretroviral drugs during the pregnancy and after
2. A scheduled caesarian section in some cases
3. An exclusive breastfeeding (breast milk only) or NO breastfeeding
4. Antiretroviral drug for the baby in the first 6 weeks of life

CDC factsheet, www.aidsinfo.nih.gov