Is there a risk for transmission if a person is negative for HIV and the partner is living with HIV?

If a person is negative for HIV and their partner is living with HIV, there is no risk of perinatal transmission to the baby. However, pregnant people are at an increased risk for contracting HIV and a person who acquires HIV while pregnant has a greater chance of transmitting the virus to their baby. People who are negative for HIV and in a serodifferent relationship should seek counseling on the multiple measures that can be taken to prevent HIV acquisition, including ensuring their partner keeps their virus suppressed by taking HIV medications, taking a medication called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and consistently using condoms with each episode of intercourse. Because of the ongoing risk of HIV acquisition, all people in Illinois are required to be counseled and offered an HIV test both at the initial prenatal visit and again in their third trimester of pregnancy.