All pregnant women are urged to get tested for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and rubella during their antenatal appointment.
According to Dr. Theron Moodley, if a pregnant woman resists taking HIV tests, it should be documented in her maternity notes, and her reasons should be thoroughly considered. In addition, screening should be offered again in about 28 weeks.
Dr. Theron Moodley, an expert gynecologist, states that HIV infection in young children is most typically transmitted from mother to kid (MTCT). Only 1.5 to 2% of MTCT during pregnancy is thought to occur transplacentally. Most instances are caused by maternal-fetal blood transfer during parturition and postnatal nursing. According to Dr. Theron Moodley, a negative maternal HIV test upon booking does not rule out neonatal infection; maternal infection and seroconversion can occur at any point during pregnancy and nursing. It has been well-documented in HIV-endemic countries and observed globally.
This article will discuss the phenomenon’s many aspects and provide informed insights based on Dr. Theron Moodley‘s years of experience in the field. Dr. Theron Moodley’s Professional take on Epidemiology
In 2013, 2.5 pregnant women in every 1,000 (1,750/688,760) were HIV-positive, with the vast majority (five out of six) being diagnosed before pregnancy. Dr. Theron Moodley further observes that HIV-positive women born in the United Kingdom grew from roughly 17,000 in 2006 to 26,000 in 2013.
Without treatment, the seasoned doctor believes that 15-45 percent of infants delivered to HIV-positive women in the most severely impacted nations are also infected. With the correct measures, transmission rates can be decreased to less than 1%.
With various factors at play here, let’s consider effectively managing the associated risks.
Dr. Theron Moodley’s Expert Advice on Managing the MTCT risks
According to Dr. Theron Moodley, early detection of maternal HIV infection helps limit mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Pregnant women should be screened for HIV early in their pregnancy since early prenatal interventions can reduce the MTCT of HIV infection.
Dr. Theron Moodley believes that elective cesarean section delivery, antiretroviral medication (ART), and avoiding postpartum nursing are potential approaches for reducing HIV MTCT during the prenatal period. These therapies can lower the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child from 25-30% to less than 1%.
Dr. Theron Moodley is adamant that all HIV-positive pregnant women be tested for the virus and treated for genital infections throughout their pregnancy. It should be done as early as feasible in the pregnancy and again around the 28th week.
Pre-eclampsia, cholestasis, or other signs of liver failure during pregnancy may suggest medication toxicity. It is critical to speak with HIV healthcare professionals as soon as possible.
Dr. Theron Moodley’s Prognosis
When achieved, universal antenatal HIV screening, according to Dr. Theron Moodley, can lead to the prospect of wholly separate artificial formula feeding. There is also a provision for ART and cesarean section birth when necessary. As a result, he feels that MTCT is primarily preventable.
MTCT transmission was recorded in 25% of deliveries due to a complete lack of intervention. It was reduced to 8% with ART with ZDV. cART, cesarean delivery, and not breastfeeding can limit the chance of transmission to 1%.
According to Dr. Theron Moodley, MTCT rates in the United Kingdom decreased from 2.2 percent in 1998 to 0.46 percent in 2010. According to current studies he often cites, pregnancy does not affect the progression of AIDS, HIV-related disorders, or severe immune suppression until nearly a year following delivery or abortion.
Finally, Dr. Theron Moodley points out that HIV infection can hurt pregnancy, particularly mother postpartum endometritis and an increased chance of spontaneous abortion.