Family Planning

Research on HIV infection and its prevention and treatment have made it possible for women with HIV to give birth to babies who are free of HIV. Learn more about protecting your baby during pregnancy, birth, and after delivery.

What should I ask my health care provider about having a baby?

HIV can be passed from a mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. If you are living with HIV and are thinking about having a baby, it is important to talk to your health care provider about your treatment options. There are measures you can take to reduce the risk of passing HIV to your child, and your health care provider can help you make informed decisions about what is best for you and your baby. You might ask some or all of the following questions.

• How can I ensure that my viral load is undetectable during pregnancy?
• What are the safest ways to conceive?
• Will HIV cause problems for me during pregnancy or delivery?
• Will my HIV treatment cause problems for my baby?
• What are the pros and cons of taking medicine while I am pregnant?

In addition to discussing HIV treatment options, be sure to ask your health care provider about other steps you can take to keep yourself and your baby healthy during pregnancy, childbirth, and after the baby is born.