Can mothers give HIV to their babies?

Pregnant women who are HIV positive can give the virus to their babies in the womb and during birth. Taking anti-HIV drugs during pregnancy and childbirth can help lower the risk, but there is no sure way to prevent infection.

After birth, mothers can give their babies HIV through breast milk. The highest risk may be in the early months after birth. New mothers should try to bottle-feed their babies rather than breast-feed.

If you are an HIV-positive woman and intend to become pregnant, or you find out that you are HIV positive during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce the chances that your baby will become infected, too.

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