Do these measures after getting HIV and give birth to a healthy child

Life with HIV today is completely different than ever before. Due to modern and easily tolerated single tablet therapy, this disease is no longer a serious life threat. With timely detection and regular medication, patients can not only live a normal life but can also expect a longer, healthier and better quality of life.

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Method

Modern Treatment Options

Today most treatment starts with drugs called integrase strand transfer inhibitors. These are medicines that prevent the HIV virus from making copies of itself in the body cells. Their effect is fast and side effects are less.

ease of taking medicine

Now long-acting injections are becoming increasingly popular. One injection every one or two months is very useful for those who find it difficult to take pills daily. The stress of taking medicine is reduced.

Basis of treatment- Antiretroviral therapy (ART)

The goal of ART is very clear i.e. to suppress the virus. When the viral load becomes negligible, not only is the immune system protected, but the risk of spreading the infection is also eliminated.

New Challenge - Eating and Metabolic Health

There is no need for a 'special HIV diet', but nutritious, anti-inflammatory food is necessary. In such a situation, it is beneficial to take food containing whole grains and healthy fats. Stay away from ultra-processed foods, excess sugar and alcohol.

Exercise now part of treatment

Activities like brisk walking, light running, cycling or yoga for 150 minutes a week and strength training 2-3 times a week are necessary. This keeps muscles strong, bones safe and metabolic problems can be controlled.

Immunity and mental health

Good sleep, stress control and mental health are as important for long-term health as fear, social attitudes and stress related to ART and HIV can weaken immunity. Therefore counselling, mindfulness and family support are very important. Also, taking vaccines like flu, hepatitis A/B, pneumonia and HIV on time is an easy and effective way to strengthen immunity. For these patients, it is completely possible for these patients to live a long, active and healthy life with timely modern treatment, a balanced lifestyle and attention to mental health.

Less risk of infection in the child

Pregnancy with HIV is not an insurmountable challenge today. Can check at the right time, continuously. It has been proven all over the world including India that with proper treatment, mother-to-child ART and doctor's monitoring, the health of both mother and child can be protected.

Why is ART important during pregnancy?

Starting or continuing ART during pregnancy is the most important step as it greatly reduces the viral load in the mother's body. The lower the viral load, the lower the risk of infection in the child. ART also improves the mother's immunity, which keeps the pregnancy safe. 

How to prevent infection from mother to child

• Mother being on ART early and regularly
• Monitoring viral load during pregnancy and delivery and giving anti-HIV medication to the child immediately after birth. 
• Following the correct rules of breastfeeding.

With these steps the chance of the child getting infected reduces from 30-40% to 1-5%. It is entirely possible to have a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby, even with HIV. Just rely on timely testing, ART and constant medical guidance 

Delivery Options

The method of delivery depends on the viral load of the mother, if the viral load is undetectable (very low) normal delivery is considered safe. If the viral load is high or ART is started late, doctors often recommend caesarean section so that the baby is not exposed to excessive blood or fluids during delivery. 

HIV and breastfeeding

If the mother is on regular ART and the viral load is controlled, exclusive breastfeeding can be done for the first 6 months. The mother should not leave ART at all during breastfeeding. Mixed feed i.e. sometimes breast feeding and sometimes formula milk increases the risk of infection, hence only one method should be adopted.