HIV in pregnancy

HIV is a disease caused by retrovirus (HIV-1 or HIV-2) the that attacks the immune system of the body, leaving it susceptible to various dangerous infections. HIV can have profound effects on pregnancy and pregnancy may in turn cause an aggravation of signs and symptoms HIV.A pregnant woman living with HIV can pass on the virus to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth and through breastfeeding. This is called Vertical transmission of HIV. Without any intervention, the rate of vertical transmission of HIV is as much as 15-45%. National PPTCT program of India run by NACO (National AIDS Control Organization) aims at preventing HIV transmission from mother to child. Women who are known HIV positives or those who are diagnosed as HIV positive for the first-time during pregnancy, are given Triple Dose Anti Retro-viral therapy comprising of Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Efavirenz. Special precautions are taken during their delivery. Whether LSCS is to be performed depends on the indications and on which guidelines are followed. Infant- feeding is advised to be carried out as per the guidelines stated in the PPTCT act so as to minimize the chances of HIV transmission to the infant