HIV+ AND PREGNANT
Q:
I’m a 29 years old and I have just found out that I am HIV-positive and I also have a kidney problem. I’m three months pregnant, but I am worried that something will go wrong because of all the illnesses I’m going through. My CD4 cell count is however high. Please give me tips on how to take care of my unborn child.
A:
Louise answers: Pregnancy can be filled with anxiety for any woman, least of all someone who has received unexpected health news in addition to finding out they are pregnant. Please be assured that your healthcare team is the best equipped to assist you in ensuring a healthy outcome for you and your unborn child, and given that they know your full medical history, they are also equipped to answer any questions that you may have. You mention that you have a kidney problem, but don’t say what it is. Please be assured that kidney problems can range in severity, and hopefully this problem may not be as serious as you think. You have said that your CD4 cell count is high, but you don’t stipulate what it is. Unfortunately, even with a high CD4 cell count, your baby is still at risk of acquiring HIV and it’s therefore important that irrespective of what your CD4 count is, you should be initiated as soon as possible on antiretroviral drugs. These drugs will suppress the virus, which will greatly reduce the chance that HIV will be transmitted to your baby. You should continue to take these drugs throughout pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding, and depending on your CD4 count after breastfeeding – even for life. Some antiretroviral drugs may aggravate your kidney problem, and it is essential that your healthcare team bears this in mind when prescribing an antiretroviral regimen for you. Live as healthy a life as possible, especially during the remainder of your pregnancy.