What non-medical issues are most pregnant people living with HIV facing?

Almost half of all pregnant people living with HIV learn about their HIV status through routine, voluntary prenatal testing. The pregnant patient is concerned not only for them self, but also for the well-being of their child. It is important to reassure them that there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of transmission to their baby to less than 1%. Many people feel an even greater loss of control over their bodies and health of the baby with a new HIV diagnosis. It is important to validate their concerns while assuring the patient that they can regain the greatest sense of control by doing everything possible to prevent transmission. While this can be a difficult adjustment, it can be achieved by attending all scheduled appointments with their HIV specialist and obstetrician and taking their medications on time everyday.