Abstract

Worldwide prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus infection exists, yet there is no known treatment or vaccination. The risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and death increases for HIV-positive women who get pregnant or contract the virus while they are carrying a child, especially if the infection is not well managed. Additionally, there is a chance of vertical transmission to the foetus both throughout pregnancy and during nursing after delivery. To lessen the effects of HIV during pregnancy, appropriate care must be put in place, preferably beginning with preconception counselling and pregnancies planned when the viral load is at its lowest. A suitable combination of anti-retroviral must be used during pregnancy, and the viral load, cluster of differentiation cell counts, blood counts, liver function tests, and kidney function tests must all be closely monitored. Delivery preparation should not vary in women receiving cART with reduced viral loads. When a patient presents late or whose viral load is unknown or uncontrolled at birth, specific precautions must be taken to prevent vertical transmission.