An HIV-positive person can get pregnant naturally and have children who will not have HIV.
Getting pregnant naturally
Under certain conditions, it is possible for you to have sexual intercourse without a condom with your steady partner (steady relationship) who does not have HIV:
- If, for at least 6 months, the amount of HIV in your blood (viral load) can no longer be detected. If you take your medicines correctly every day, the viral load lowers. After a few months, it can often no longer be detected in a test., and
- If your viral load has been checked less than 6 months ago, and
- If you have no other STI and the mucous membrane of your mouth, anus, penis or vagina is not damaged.
Talk with a doctor and with your partner if you want to have sexual intercourse without a condom.
Pregnancy and HIV
A pregnant woman with HIV has to take medicines during pregnancy and delivery. More than 99% of babies are then born without HIV.
The baby will often be born by caesarean section (surgical delivery). He/she can be born naturally if the doctor thinks it is safe.
The baby needs to be given medicines after birth.
The mother cannot breast-feed her child. The breast-milk contains the HIV virus. There are other ways to bond with your baby.