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Counsel on Increased Risk with Pregnancy
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When HIV is diagnosed before or during pregnancy, perinatal transmission can be reduced to less than 1% if:
- Appropriate medical treatment is given
- The virus becomes undetectable
- Breastfeeding is avoided
- All women should be screened for HIV at least once, as serostatus awareness provides opportunity for appropriate treatment and increases behaviors that reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
- All pregnant women should be screened for HIV as early as possible during each pregnancy.
- Encourage condom use to reduce risk of acquisition of other STIs, including other strains of HIV and transmission to partners.
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When HIV is diagnosed before or during pregnancy, perinatal transmission can be reduced to less than 1% if:
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Management
- Viral supression with triple anti-retroviral therapy that includes zidovudine to minimize risk of vertical transmission.
- Consult Infectious Disease specialist for most current recommendations regarding antiviral therapy during pregnancy.
- Do not stop antiviral therapy if patient is pregnant.
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Contraception Counseling
- Highly effective contraception, such as intrauterine and sub-dermal contraceptives, are preferred.
- Drug interactions may exist between hormonal contraceptives and some antiretroviral drugs (Refer to drug interactions section of labeling for the antiretroviral).
- Encourage condom use with all sexual intercourse.