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Pregnancy, parenting and HIV

The rate of transmission from mother to baby has reduced dramatically in recent years with the advent of HIV treatments. In the past without any kind of intervention, about 30 percent of children born to HIV positive women will develop HIV. Now with a regime of medications developed for pregnant women that includes taking anti-retroviral drugs throughout the pregnancy, having a caesarean section and not breast feeding, the rates of transmission are down to just 2 per cent.

Even with these advances HIV positive women still have to grapple with many issues including how to conceive as well as treatment and care issues for both mother and baby and maintaining confidentiality throughout the process.

The decision to have children for women living with HIV can be one of the most difficult choices they make. For women who are diagnosed HIV positive at the time they are becoming mothers, those decisions can be especially urgent and confronting.

Common Threads (2006) edited by Karalyn Mc Donald documents 34 women's stories, joys and struggles. The resource will support HIV positive women and families and increase understanding for workers and the community.

These stories raise many of the complex issues faced by HIV-positive women.

The HIV Women's Project has limited numbers of this beautiful resource to distribute to agencies or individuals in South Australia. You can order a copy using our publications order form or contact the Project Co-ordinator on 8239 9600.

 

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