Dr Theron Moodley, an expert, feels that a mother living with HIV can pass the virus to her child if she does not get proper medical treatment. Vertical transmission, often known as mother-to-child transmission, is a type of transmission (MTCT). Taking anti-HIV drugs might significantly reduce your chances of transmitting HIV to your baby.
How does mother-to-child transmission occur?
The fetus becomes infected with HIV during pregnancy due to the mother’s blood passing via the placenta.
The newborn is infected with HIV during birth through the mother’s cervical secretions or blood.
The newborn is infected with HIV via the mother’s breast milk or blood during breastfeeding.
These factors increase the likelihood of HIV transmission to the baby:
Being ill as a result of HIV, especially if you have tuberculosis (TB)
HIV with a high viral load and a low CD4 cell count
If possible, your waters should rupture four hours before delivery.
Untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI) during pregnancy or at the time of birth
Using recreational drugs, particularly injectable medications, while pregnant
If your HIV viral load is detectable, you should undergo a vaginal birth instead of a cesarean delivery.
Breastfeeding
How is vertical transmission avoided?
According to Dr Theron Moodley, there are various effective methods for preventing mother-to-child transmission. PMTCT is an abbreviation for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.
Many HIV-positive women have had HIV-negative babies by taking the following precautions:
Taking anti-HIV drugs while pregnant
With caution, choose between cesarean section and vaginal delivery.
Breastfeeding is prohibited.
The new baby will be given an anti-HIV medication for a few weeks.
Dr Theron Moodley is convinced that the baby’s chances of catching HIV will be decreased to fewer than 1% by taking these precautions. If you have HIV and an undiscovered viral load, your chances are substantially lower: 0.1 per cent.
How can HIV treatment prevent HIV transmission from mother to baby?
Dr Theron Moodley recommends starting HIV treatment after patients are diagnosed, regardless of CD4 count.
Anti-HIV drugs help in two ways to prevent MTCT:
The goal of HIV treatment is to keep your viral load at undetectable levels. (A viral load of less than 50 is deemed undetectable, and most UK clinics can measure less than 20 copies/ml.) They reduce your viral load, exposing your kid to less HIV during pregnancy and birth.
Some anti-HIV drugs cross the placenta and enter your baby’s body, preventing the virus from infiltrating. When the HIV status of the mother is known, newborn babies are given a short course of anti-HIV drugs after birth.
Having a controlled birth further minimizes the risk of HIV transmission. Your doctor will assess your viral load and discuss your options when you are 36 weeks pregnant.
Antenatal care for HIV-positive women
You will almost certainly be cared for by a team of healthcare professionals during your pregnancy.
Your HIV clinic will continue to care for you. You may be examined by an obstetrician (a doctor who delivers babies), a specialized midwife, a paediatrician, and your HIV doctor and clinic personnel.
Other people you may encounter, according to Dr Theron Moodley, depending on the type of support you require, include:
A specialist in peer support
In the community, there is a midwife.
A psychotherapist
A psychologist
A social worker or a patient advocate.
They will help you with issues including housing, finances, and alcohol and drug abuse. They can provide advice and information on your eligibility for free NHS treatment and alternative financial aid, such as formula feeding assistance.
Like all other members of your antenatal care team, Dr Theron Moodley insists on strict secrecy. He will not reveal your pregnancy status to anybody without your permission.
For more information about Dr. Theron Moodley visit: