Explain Why You Should Test For Hiv During Pregnancy
HIV During Pregnancy - Why You Should Test For HIV And What You Need To Know
By Martine O'Callaghan
Oct 2, 2012
HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, is the retrovirus which causes AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS destroys the immune system - a complex set of glands, organs and tissues that help protect against and fight off diseases. HIV is blood borne and it can only be transmitted via bodily fluids such as blood, semen and vaginal mucus. It is, therefore, sexually transmitted but can also be passed on by sharing hypodermic needles or needle stick injuries, tattoo needles, etc. Perinatal transmission of HIV is passing on the infection from mother to baby during labour and through breast milk. This is one of the reasons that pregnant women are encouraged to be tested to establish their HIV status. …show more content…
All women except those known to be HIV positive are offered voluntary testing during pregnancy. Women can also be tested during labour using tests which can read in less than an hour. Should the result come back as positive, this will enable health care professionals to put protective measures in place to reduce the risk of the baby becoming infected.
That HIV can be passed on to the baby is not the only reason expectant mothers are advised to be HIV tested. A woman testing positive who was previously unaware of her status may need to begin anti-retroviral treatment and / or immunomodulators - drugs that alter the way in which the immune system works. She may be encouraged to review her vaccination status during pregnancy and catch up on those which would be safe for someone with a compromised immune system, that is one that is functioning below par, to
By Martine O'Callaghan
Oct 2, 2012
HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, is the retrovirus which causes AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS destroys the immune system - a complex set of glands, organs and tissues that help protect against and fight off diseases. HIV is blood borne and it can only be transmitted via bodily fluids such as blood, semen and vaginal mucus. It is, therefore, sexually transmitted but can also be passed on by sharing hypodermic needles or needle stick injuries, tattoo needles, etc. Perinatal transmission of HIV is passing on the infection from mother to baby during labour and through breast milk. This is one of the reasons that pregnant women are encouraged to be tested to establish their HIV status. …show more content…
All women except those known to be HIV positive are offered voluntary testing during pregnancy. Women can also be tested during labour using tests which can read in less than an hour. Should the result come back as positive, this will enable health care professionals to put protective measures in place to reduce the risk of the baby becoming infected.
That HIV can be passed on to the baby is not the only reason expectant mothers are advised to be HIV tested. A woman testing positive who was previously unaware of her status may need to begin anti-retroviral treatment and / or immunomodulators - drugs that alter the way in which the immune system works. She may be encouraged to review her vaccination status during pregnancy and catch up on those which would be safe for someone with a compromised immune system, that is one that is functioning below par, to