Although mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV can take place during pregnancy, the highest risk of transmission is during labour and delivery. Depending on breastfeeding practices and the duration of breastfeeding, there is also a substantial risk of MTCT of HIV during breastfeeding. Without intervention, it is estimated that 40 out of every 100 babies (40%) born to HIV-infected mothers will be HIV-infected.

Figure 12.1 shows the risk of transmission during pregnancy, during labour and delivery, and during breastfeeding. 60% of babies of HIV-infected mothers will not acquire the virus at all. However, it is not possible to predict which HIV-infected mother will transmit the virus to her child, so you must provide PMTCT services to all HIV-positive pregnant women.

Figure 12.1. Outcomes of infants born to HIV-infected women without preventive measures (WHO and CDC), January 2008.

As you see in the diagram above, the transmission is being highest during breastfeeding periods. During the antenatal period, the transmission is the least and it can be even further reduced (free from HIV) if appropriate actions (PMTCT) are taken.

Last modified: Tuesday, 21 February 2017, 4:20 PM