Preventing Perinatal HIV Transmission
Advances in HIV research, prevention, and treatment have made it possible for many women with HIV to give birth to babies who are free of HIV. The annual number of HIV infections through perinatal transmission in the United States and dependent areas has declined by more than 95% since the early 1990s.
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The recommendation that individuals in the U.S. with HIV should be advised not to breastfeed remains consistent with the most up-to-date scientific literature and is considered best practice for preventing HIV transmission. When resources exist that provide supplemental information related to the topic of the archived guideline, CDC may refer readers to other organizations. For example, the HHS Panel on Treatment of HIV During Pregnancy and Prevention of Perinatal Transmission and the American Academy of Pediatrics have each more recently published recommendations on perinatal HIV prevention that are consistent with CDC’s recommendation but offer additional information for care providers of individuals with HIV who wish to breastfeed.
All women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should encourage their partners to also get tested for HIV. If either partner has HIV, that partner should take HIV medicine daily as prescribed to stay healthy and prevent transmission.
Taking HIV medicine every day can make the viral load undetectable. People who get and keep an undetectable viral load (or stay virally suppressed) have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to HIV-negative sex partners.
For babies with HIV, starting treatment early is important because the disease can progress quickly in children. Providing HIV medicine early can help children with HIV live longer, healthier lives.
The Numbers
We don’t know exactly how many women with HIV give birth annually in the United States. Recent evidence suggests that the number is less than 5,000. Most of these cases affect Black children.
If you want more info on PrEP, PEP, or HIV testing, visit our Health, Education, and Prevention Program webpage, or call (404) 505-7777 to get started.
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