![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Care of HIV-Infected Pregnant WomenJuly 2006; updated July 2007 ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Background | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | This chapter describes the elements involved in caring for the pregnant woman with HIV infection, whether the woman was known to be HIV infected before conception or was found to be HIV infected during pregnancy. It is not intended to be a comprehensive discussion of this topic, and an HIV-experienced obstetrician and an HIV specialist should be involved in the management of all HIV-infected pregnant women. For centers that do not have HIV specialists available, experts at the National Perinatal HIV Consultation and Referral Service are available for consultation through the Perinatal Hotline (888-448-8765). The first task in caring for an HIV-infected woman who is pregnant or is considering pregnancy is to provide counseling that will allow her to make informed reproductive choices. Taking a careful reproductive history and providing preconception counseling should be part of any woman's routine primary care. To make informed choices about pregnancy, the patient needs education and information about the risk of perinatal transmission of HIV, potential complications of pregnancy, continuation or modification (or possible initiation) of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and the support she will need to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes. The goals of HIV management during pregnancy are to maintain and support the woman's health, provide optimal ART to preserve or restore her immune system and suppress viral replication, and offering interventions that decrease the risk of perinatal HIV transmission. ART has proven highly effective in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission. After the results of the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trial Group study 076 were released in 1994, ART tailored to the specific patient has been recommended to decrease perinatal transmission and optimize outcomes (see chapter Reducing Maternal-Infant HIV Transmission). In the United States, ART should be offered according to the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Task Force guidelines (see Antiretroviral Therapy below). ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Preconception Evaluation of the HIV-Infected Woman | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Ideally, the evaluation of reproductive issues with an HIV-infected woman begins before pregnancy. The preconception evaluation should include the following elements: ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Reproductive history, including number of pregnancies, number of partners, pregnancies with each partner, and outcomes of each pregnancy | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Length of relationship with current partner, HIV serostatus of partner, and couple's sexual history, including condom use and sexual decision making or control of reproductive choices | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Patient's and partner's reproductive desires, and discussion of options | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) |
Any history of infertility or low fertility in either the patient or her partner also should be evaluated and discussed, including current information on gamete donation, other assisted reproductive techniques, and adoption. For a woman (or a couple) who has decided to try to conceive, several issues must be considered. Prominent among these is the HIV serostatus of both partners. If HIV infection is present in only one of the partners, the risk of transmission to the uninfected partner and techniques to minimize the risk should be discussed. (For further discussion and patient-education materials for HIV-discordant couples, see Aaron and Mercurius in "References" below.) If ART is indicated, an appropriate regimen should be started before pregnancy, avoiding agents with increased risk for teratogenicity (eg, efavirenz), hepatotoxicity (eg, nevirapine), or metabolic complications such as lactic acidosis (eg, didanosine, stavudine, and zalcitabine). See chapter Reducing Maternal-Infant HIV Transmission and the Public Health Service Task Force Recommendations for Use of Antiretroviral Drugs in Pregnant HIV-1-Infected Women for Maternal Health and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal HIV-1 Transmission in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 12, 2006. It should be noted that most fetal organogenesis occurs in the early weeks of pregnancy, before most women know that they are pregnant. Thus, any medication with potential teratogenicity or fetal toxicity, whether an antiretroviral (ARV) or another drug, should be
avoided in women who are intending to become pregnant or are at risk of pregnancy. Certain medications (eg, ribavirin) also should be avoided by male partners of women who may become pregnant. Folate supplementation to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus should be started at least 1 month before conception, if possible, because the neural tube forms in the early weeks of pregnancy (see below). | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) |
![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Evaluation and Counseling of Pregnant Women | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | All HIV-infected pregnant women should receive thorough education and counseling about perinatal transmission risks, strategies to reduce those risks, and potential effects of HIV infection or HIV treatment on the course or outcomes of pregnancy. ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | The goals of therapy for pregnant women treated with ART, as for all persons being treated for HIV infection, are to suppress the HIV viral load maximally (preferably to undetectable levels) for as long as possible, to improve quality of life, to restore or preserve immune function, and, for pregnant women specifically, to reduce the risk of perinatal transmission as much as possible. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Therapy-associated adverse effects, including hyperglycemia, anemia, and hepatic toxicity, may have a negative effect on maternal and fetal health outcomes. Pregnant woman should be advised about possible ARV-related adverse effects and should be monitored regularly for these events. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | HIV-infected women should receive evaluation and appropriate prophylaxis for opportunistic infections (OIs), as well as vaccinations as indicated for persons with HIV infection (eg, pneumococcus vaccination) (see below). | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Some medications, both ARVs and other drugs, may cause fetal anomalies or toxicity when taken during pregnancy. These should be avoided in pregnant women, unless the anticipated benefit outweighs the possible risk. Consult with an HIV or obstetric specialist, a pharmacist, or the drug labeling information before prescribing medications for pregnant women. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) |
Other evaluation and support for pregnant women should include the following: ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Screening for other potential maternal health problems, such as diabetes and hypertension | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Maternal nutritional evaluation and support, including initiation of a prenatal multivitamin containing folate (0.4-0.8 mg orally once daily) to reduce the risk of fetal neural tube defects. Pregnant women who are taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Septra, Bactrim, cotrimoxazole) and women who may become pregnant who are taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole should be given higher doses of folate. Some experts recommend a folate dose of 4 mg daily for women receiving trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Screening for psychiatric and neurologic disease | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Counseling about the risks of tobacco smoking; smoking cessation support as indicated | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Counseling about the risks of alcohol or drug use and support for discontinuation of these substances as needed | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Domestic violence screening | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Review of medications, including over-the-counter and nutritional agents; discontinuation of medications with the potential for fetal harm | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Immunizations (eg, influenza, hepatitis B) as indicated | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Institution of the standard measures for evaluation and management (eg, assessment of reproductive and familial genetic history, screening for infectious diseases or sexually transmitted diseases [STDs]) | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Planning for maternal-fetal medicine consultation, if desired or indicated | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Selection of effective and appropriate postpartum contraceptive methods if desired | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) |
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![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Prenatal Care | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | All of the pregnancy-related complications seen in HIV-uninfected women, such as hypertensive disorders, ectopic pregnancy, psychiatric illness, multiple gestation, preterm delivery, and STDs also can occur in HIV-infected women. These problems must be recognized quickly and treated appropriately to avoid life-threatening complications. Ideally, HIV-infected pregnant women are managed by both an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist and an HIV specialist. Communication between these specialists about medications, expectations, and complications is vital for the health and well-being of both mother and baby. If complications occur or abnormalities are detected, they should be evaluated and treated as indicated by the condition, and referral should be made to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, if possible. Antenatal fetal surveillance and testing to identify fetal abnormalities should be carried out using guidelines established by the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Tables 1-3 present the suggested testing and monitoring practices for pregnant women with HIV infection, from the first trimester to labor and delivery. |
![](images/transparent.gif) | Table 1. Recommended Evaluation and Routine Monitoring of the Pregnant Woman with HIV Infection: Initial and Subsequent Visits | |
History | HIV History | Date of diagnosis | - | Signs and symptoms | Every visit | Nadir CD4 and current CD4 cell count; HIV viral load | - | ARV history, including regimen efficacy, toxicity, and ARV resistance | - | Opportunistic infections and malignancies | Every visit | History of genital herpes (HSV-2) | - | Adherence | Every visit | Obstetric History | Number of pregnancies; complications and outcomes | - | History of genetic disorders | - | Use of ARV prophylaxis during previous pregnancies | - | HIV status of children | - | Current Pregnancy | Last menstrual period (LMP) | - | Pregnancy: intended or not | - | Contraceptive methods used, if any | - | Gestational age (can be calculated in a woman with regular menses, counting weeks from LMP) | Every visit | Estimated date of delivery | - | Signs or symptoms of maternal complications: elevated blood pressure, headache, significant edema, gastrointestinal or genitourinary symptoms, vaginal discharge or bleeding, decreased fetal movement | Every visit | Screen for intimate-partner violence | Every visit | Physical Examination | General | Vital signs and weight, funduscopy, breast exam | Every visit | Gynecologic | Pelvic exam, STD screening, examination for perineal or vaginal lesions (discoloration, condyloma, ulcerative lesions, vaginal discharge), cervical lesions, discharge or bleeding | As indicated | Fundal height, correlating with gestational age (concordant between 18 and 30 weeks) | Every visit | Fetal heart beat and rate: audible with DeLee fetal stethoscope between 16 and 19 weeks, earlier with Doppler devices | Every visit | Fetal movements and position in third trimester | Every visit | Laboratory Tests | HIV | HIV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with Western blot confirmation (if HIV status is not known) or rapid test and confirmatory test | - | HIV viral load and CD4 count (total and %) | Every 3 months (at least every trimester) or as indicated | Fasting lipid measurement | As indicated | Genotype if ARV naive or detectable HIV RNA while on ART | As indicated | Cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunoglobulin G (IgG) if CD4 count <100 cells/µL or if at low risk for CMV | - | Toxoplasmosis IgG | - | Consider HSV-2 serology, if history suggests | - | General | Complete blood count (CBC); chemistries, liver enzymes (LFTs) | Every 3 months or more frequently based on ARV regimen or symptoms | Blood group | - | Rh antibody screen | - | Rubella antibody | - | Varicella IgG, if history unclear | As indicated | Screening for syphilis: rapid plasma reagin (RPR) or Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory (VDRL) | As indicated | Screening for gonorrhea and chlamydia | As indicated | Urinalysis and clean-catch urine culture | As indicated | Papanicolaou smear | As indicated | Hepatitis Serologies | Hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibody (IgG) | - | Hepatitis B virus (HBV): HBsAg, HBcAb, HBsAb | - | Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody | - | TB Screening | Tuberculin skin test (PPD); more reliable if CD4 >200 cells/µL (induration >5 mm is positive) | - | Disease Specific | G6PD level, especially if anemic | - | Consider hemoglobin electrophoresis, if anemic and/or at increased risk for hemoglobinopathies | - | Serum screening for Tay-Sachs disease--both partners--if at increased risk | - | Urine toxicology screen | As indicated |
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![](images/transparent.gif) | Table 2. Recommended Evaluation and Routine Monitoring of the Pregnant Woman with HIV Infection: Second and Third Trimesters | |
Weeks 16-20 | Ultrasound | Confirm gestational age, screen for malformations, multifetal pregnancy. | Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) or triple screen (human chorionic gonadotropin [HCG], serum estriol, and AFP) | Screen for neural tube and abdominal wall defect, trisomy 21, trisomy 18. Abnormal test requires further investigation--consider amniocentesis only if abnormality is detected on expanded triple screen or level-2 sonogram. Voluntary and requires counseling. | STD screening: gonorrhea, chlamydia, wet mount | Repeat as indicated, according to the woman's risk factors. | Weeks 24-28 | Complete blood count | | Syphilis serology | | Diabetes screening | Consider at 20 weeks: check glucose 1 hour after a 50 g glucose load; perform 3-hour glucose tolerance test if screen is abnormal. If 3-hour test abnormal, perform regular glucose monitoring, especially in women taking protease inhibitors. | Bacterial vaginosis (BV) screening | BV increases the risk of preterm labor. | Weeks 32-36 | Streptococcus B screening | If positive, offer intrapartum chemoprophylaxis. | STD screening: gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis | Repeat tests to rule out risk of perinatal transmission of these infections. | CD4 count, HIV viral load | Results obtained at 35-36 weeks guide decisions on the mode of delivery. |
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![](images/transparent.gif) | Table 3. Recommended Evaluation and Routine Monitoring of the Pregnant Woman with HIV Infection: Labor and Delivery | |
Record Review | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Documentation of HIV serostatus, blood type and Rh, hepatitis serologies, rapid plasma reagin (RPR) | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Review of antiretroviral therapy, if any, during pregnancy | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Review of HIV viral load results during pregnancy | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) |
| Physical Evaluation | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Vital signs and fetal heart rate | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Frequency and intensity of contractions | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Fetal lie, presentation, attitude, and position | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Vaginal examination: rule out herpes simplex virus (HSV) lesions; detect ruptured membranes; determine cervical effacement, dilatation, and position | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Avoid procedures that increase the risk of perinatal HIV transmission (eg, fetal scalp electrodes, scalp sampling, or assisted rupture of membranes) | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) |
| Admission Laboratory Tests | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Complete blood count | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Liver function tests | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | RPR or Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory (VDRL), if not done recently | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Repeat hepatitis B and C testing, if at risk for acquisition of hepatitis B or C, to prevent perinatal transmission of these infections | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) |
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![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Immunizations and Opportunistic Infection Prophylaxis | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Immunizations during Pregnancy | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Immunizations should be given before pregnancy, if possible. Immunizations should be considered during pregnancy when the risk of exposure to an infection is high, the risk of infection to the mother or fetus is high, and the vaccine is unlikely to cause harm. Some vaccinations (such as measles/mumps/rubella) are contraindicated, and others should be given only if the anticipated benefit of the vaccination outweighs its possible risk. Special considerations for immunizations in HIV-infected individuals are discussed in chapter Immunizations for HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents. Some clinicians avoid giving immunizations during the third trimester of pregnancy because vaccinations may cause a transient increase in the HIV viral load and theoretically may increase the risk of perinatal HIV transmission. An increase in viral load may be prevented with effective ART, and some clinicians defer immunizations until ART is under way. Recommendations related to immunizations during pregnancy are shown in Table 4. |
![](images/transparent.gif) | Table 4. Immunizations and Postexposure Prophylaxis in Pregnant Women with HIV Infection | Immunization | Comment | Hepatitis A virus (HAV) | Recommended for susceptible patients at high risk of infection, those with chronic HBV or HCV, those traveling to endemic areas, injection drug users, or in the setting of a community outbreak | Hepatitis B virus (HBV) | Generally recommended for susceptible patients | Influenza | Generally recommended; give before flu season | Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) | Contraindicated | Pneumococcus | Generally recommended, repeat every 5-7 years | Tetanus-diphtheria | Recommended; give booster every 10 years | Immune globulins (For postexposure prophylaxis in susceptible individuals) | Comment | Measles | Recommended after measles exposure, for symptomatic HIV-infected persons | Hepatitis A | Recommended after exposure to a close contact or sex partner, or in case of travel to endemic areas | Hyper immune globulins | Comment | Varicella-zoster virus immune globulin (VZIG) | Recommended after significant exposure to varicella-zoster virus (give within 96 hours) | Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) | Recommended after needlestick or sexual exposure to a person with hepatitis B infection |
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![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Opportunistic Infection Prophylaxis | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Some OIs can have an adverse effect on pregnancy In turn, pregnancy can affect the natural history, presentation, treatment, and significance of some OIs. Women should be monitored carefully for OIs during pregnancy, with special attention given to nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, back pain, and weight loss, which may be due to HIV-related illness rather than to pregnancy. Respiratory symptoms in particular merit rapid, aggressive investigation. Clinicians should follow the most current recommendations of the USPHS and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, which give special consideration to pregnant women for each OI discussed. (Guidelines for Prevention of Opportunistic Infections among HIV-Infected Persons--2002. June 14, 2002.) The indications and recommendations for OI prophylaxis generally should follow the guidelines for adults (see chapter
Opportunistic Infection Prophylaxis). However, because of the risks of teratogenicity or harm to the developing fetus, some drugs routinely used for prophylaxis of OIs in nonpregnant adults are contraindicated during pregnancy. ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Special Considerations for OI Prophylaxis during Pregnancy | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) |
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![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Antiretroviral Therapy | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Current USPHS guidelines for the use of ARV agents in pregnant women with HIV infection recommend treating HIV infection in pregnant women using the same principles and modalities as for nonpregnant individuals. The 3-part zidovudine (ZDV) regimen (antenatal, intrapartum, and neonatal) should be recommended as the minimum intervention to reduce the risk of perinatal HIV transmission. In addition to the 3-part ZDV regimen, the guidelines recommend offering effective combination ART to all pregnant women to maximally suppress viral replication, minimize the risk of developing resistant virus, and reduce the risk of perinatal transmission. The choice of ARV regimen should take into account the optimal regimen for the woman's health, the potential effect on the fetus and infant, the woman's previous experience, if any, with ARV treatment, and her stage of pregnancy. In most cases, the regimen should include ZDV, if possible. ARV agents with known teratogenic effects,
such as efavirenz, should be avoided, especially in the first trimester. Some clients and HIV care providers may elect to withhold ARV therapies during the first trimester, because this is a period of rapid organogenesis and an increased risk of birth defects if teratogen exposure occurs. For women already taking ART at the time they become pregnant, the ARV regimen should be reevaluated for its appropriateness during pregnancy to avoid potentially toxic medications and to ensure maximal virologic suppression. If a decision is made to interrupt ART during the first trimester, the woman should be instructed how and when to stop and to restart ART and should be made aware of the risk of viral rebound during the ARV interruption. Discussion of treatment options should include the known and unknown effects of ARV drugs on the fetus and newborn, recommendations for the woman's health, and the known efficacy of ZDV in preventing perinatal transmission. Recommendations should be noncoercive, and the woman herself must make the final decision regarding the use of ARV drugs. A decision to decline ART should not result in punitive action or denial of care; nor should ART be denied to any woman who wishes to minimize the fetus's exposure to drugs and therefore chooses to receive only ZDV to reduce the risk of perinatal transmission. The woman should be informed that ZDV alone does not reduce the baby's HIV risk as much as a potent triple-drug therapy, and also that monotherapy with any ARV drug confers a risk of drug resistance that may affect the success of future treatment for her and for the infant (if HIV infected). The USPHS Perinatal ARV Guidelines are updated regularly as clinical trial results are reported and ARVs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The guidelines include recommendations regarding ARV regimens, modes of delivery (vaginal vs cesarean section), and potential adverse events, as well as a detailed discussion of individual ARV agents. Pregnant women with HIV infection should be managed as a collaboration between an HIV specialist and the obstetric provider. For further information about ARV treatment during pregnancy, see the chapter Reducing Maternal-Infant HIV Transmission and the USPHS Perinatal ARV Guidelines. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) |
![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Pregnancy-Specific Complications and Management | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) |
![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Postpartum Considerations | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Because HIV can be transmitted to the infant through breast-feeding, breast-feeding is contraindicated in the United States and other resource-adequate countries where safe replacement feeding is available. Breast-feeding information should be removed from patient educational material pertaining to labor and delivery. Breast binding and ice packs can be used as needed to reduce lactation discomfort. Clinicians should recognize that women in some cultural groups are expected to breast-feed and they may need additional support to use formula rather than breast-feed. ART should be continued as indicated by the USPHS Perinatal ARV Guidelines. Maternal and infant medication adherence must be discussed with the new mother. Adherence barriers for the mother during the postpartum period may be different from those during pregnancy (eg, because of changes in daily routine, sleep/wake cycles, and meals). New mothers should be observed carefully for signs of bleeding or infection. If the mother's glucose tolerance test was abnormal during pregnancy, she should be reevaluated (by 2-hour glucose tolerance test) 6 weeks postpartum and should be screened yearly for diabetes. At the 2-week postpartum follow-up visit, the clinician should address the patient's concerns, screen for postpartum depression, assess adherence to her own and the infant's ARV medications, and ensure follow-up with the primary HIV care provider, pediatrician, and obstetric provider. This visit also affords an opportunity to address the woman's contraceptive needs and options, if this was not done previously. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) |
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![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | Patient Education | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | |
![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Reinforce regularly and clearly the notion that, when the mother cares for herself, she is caring for her infant. Talk with the patient about stress, the importance of adequate mild-to-moderate exercise, and sufficient rest. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Emphasize that regular prenatal care is extremely important to prevent complications of pregnancy. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Use of a prenatal vitamin supplement is important, but cannot replace healthy food intake. Develop a plan with the patient for attaining the desired weight gain during pregnancy, while maintaining a healthy nutritional intake. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Cigarette, alcohol, and drug use contribute to poor maternal nutrition and can harm the developing fetus. Illicit drug use also increases the risk of transmitting HIV to the infant. Injection drug use can transmit hepatitis B and C and cytomegalovirus (CMV) to the mother as well as to the baby. Encourage cessation of cigarette, alcohol, and drug use, and offer referrals for treatment, as needed. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Be sure the woman understands all planned procedures and treatments and understands their potential risks and benefits both to herself and to the fetus. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Discuss the risks and benefits (to the woman and fetus) of each medication to be taken during pregnancy, including those for which there are limited data on teratogenicity. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Discuss ART as part of the strategy to reduce the risk of perinatal HIV transmission to the newborn. Allow the woman to choose whether to add ZDV to her combination ARV regimen (if applicable), or take it alone. The risk of developing ZDV-resistant HIV should be discussed if ZDV is used alone. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | For women at risk, diligent use of "safer sex" during pregnancy is important to prevent STDs and CMV, which can cause more complications when HIV is present. STDs can harm fetal development and may increase the risk of HIV transmission to the baby. New genital herpes infections during pregnancy can cause severe complications and even death in neonates. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | For women with negative Toxoplasma titers, explain the need to avoid undercooked meats, soil, and animal feces. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Teach the pregnant woman how to obtain medical attention quickly at the first signs of OI or other complication. Discuss what to watch for and how to get help when emergencies arise in the evenings or on weekends or holidays. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Help the patient clarify her child care options and encourage her to begin putting in place long-term child care and guardianship plans in case she becomes too sick to care for her child or children. | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) |
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![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | References | ![](images/global/clr_pxl.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Aaron E, M. Thinking about Having a Baby? Preconception Counseling for HIV Discordant Couples [PowerPoint]. Philadelphia: Drexel University College of Medicine; 2005. Accessed March 14, 2006. | ![](images/transparent.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 1999 Management of herpes in pregnancy. ACOG Practice Bulletin #9; October 1999. [Registration required.] | ![](images/transparent.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Immunization during pregnancy. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 282; 2003. [Registration required.] | ![](images/transparent.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Anderson JR. HIV and Reproduction. In: Anderson JR, ed. A Guide to the Clinical Care of Women with HIV. Rockville, MD: Health Services and Resources Administration; 2005. Available online at hab.hrsa.gov/publications/womencare05. | ![](images/transparent.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry Steering Committee. The Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry International Interim Report for 1 January 1989 through 31 January 2005. Wilmington, NC: Registry Coordinating Center; July 31, 2005. Available online at www.apregistry.com/forms/exec_sum_com_consensus.pdf. | ![](images/transparent.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Enhanced Perinatal Surveillance--United States, 1999-2001. Special Surveillance Report 4. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2004. | ![](images/transparent.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. General recommendations on immunization. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2002 Feb 8;51(RR-2):1-35. | ![](images/transparent.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Public Health Service Task Force Recommendations for Use of Antiretroviral Drugs in Pregnant HIV-1-Infected Women for Maternal Health and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal HIV-1 Transmission in the United States. October 12, 2006. Available online at aidsinfo.nih.gov/Guidelines/GuidelineDetail.aspx?GuidelineID=9. Accessed June 3, 2007. | ![](images/transparent.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 2006. MMWR 2006;55(No. RR-11):1-100. | ![](images/transparent.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Human immunodeficiency virus and infertility treatment. Fertil Steril. 2004 Sep;82 Suppl 1:S228-31. | ![](images/transparent.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | Minkoff H. Human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Apr;101(4):797-810. | ![](images/transparent.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents. October 10, 2006. Available online at aidsinfo.nih.gov/Guidelines/GuidelineDetail.aspx?GuidelineID=7. Accessed July 3, 2007. | ![](images/transparent.gif) | ![bullet](images/global/bullet.gif) | U.S. Public Health Service, Infectious Diseases Society of America. Guidelines for preventing opportunistic infections among HIV-infected persons --2002. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2002 Jun 14;51(RR08);1-46. Available online at aidsinfo.nih.gov/Guidelines/GuidelineDetail.aspx?GuidelineID=13. | ![](images/transparent.gif) |
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