Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I am HIV positive and expecting a baby. At the moment I am taking Moducare capsules to boost my immune system. Do they have any effect on my baby and what is the possibility of the baby getting the disease? I am also doing exercises like climbing a hill, is it good for the unborn baby?
Mark H. Katz, M.D.
Regional HIV/AIDS Physician Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente of Southern California
I trust you are seeing a physician who likely has recommended that you be started on antiviral therapy (if you were not already taking it).. Studies have clearly shown that without antiviral treatment, a pregnant woman has around a 25% chance of passing the virus on to her child--but that with treatment this can be brought down to less than 1%--a stunning decrease. Therapy is generally recommended for pregnant HIV+ women (although some of the 20 approved drugs are not used in pregnancy).
As for the Moducare, they are supposed to be immune-boosting, but without the help of antiviral treatment, may not act so as to decrease the risk of your baby getting HIV. I do not know the possible effect it could have on your child. As for exercise in pregnancy, this should be fine, and quite helpful.
Good luck!
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