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RESEARCH ARTICLE

HIV in pregnant women and prevention of perinatal transmission

Michelle Giles
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

Department of Infectious Diseases
Monash University and The Alfred Hospital
Level 2, Burnet Institute
85 Commercial Road
Prahran, Vic. 3004, Australia
Fax: +61 3 9076 2431
Email: m.giles@alfred.org.au

Microbiology Australia 36(4) 182-184 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA15064
Published: 19 October 2015

Abstract

Women with HIV who have access to treatment can expect to have a normal life expectancy. With effective antiretroviral therapy, an undetectable viral load, and avoidance of breastfeeding, the rate of perinatal transmission is extremely low (<1%). A Caesarean section is no longer routinely recommended nor is intrapartum zidovudine. Women living with HIV should be supported in their decision regarding parenthood given their excellent prognosis, low risk of perinatal transmission and reproductive rights. If interventions to reduce perinatal HIV transmission during pregnancy and post-partum are embraced, women can expect to have an uninfected infant.


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