Slide 10 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of HIV testing during pregnancy. There are many disadvantages to consider. A woman who is HIV positive, may be abandoned by her husband and family. When providing antenatal care, there is no need to increase the number of visits unless symptoms or complications develop. If available, antiretroviral agents given during antenatal care can benefit both the mother and child.
Good nutrition is important.
Anemia is an independent predictor of progression and death in HIV-infected individuals. Short-course ZDV and nevirapine are most affordable and are associated with good patient compliance. Maternal viral load, ZDV treatment, and the risk of transmission of HIV type 1 from mother to infant. There were no ill effects on the fetus except for mild and temporary anemia. A short-course ZDV trial in Thailand compared placebo group with group given one tablet of ZDV 300 mg twice a day from 36 weeks gestation and every 3 hours from onset of labor until delivery.