Question:

I am a 32yrs old woman with 2 kids, I found out in 2008.01 that I was HIV+. I am in a relationship with an HIV- man and everything was fine since we meet. A month ago I was admitted to hospital due to meningitis (TB) and his attitude changed towards me, I explained to him why and that it has nothing to do with my status. The thing now that has come between us is he want to have a child and I don’t know if I will be able to carry to terms or be pregnant. If its possible for me please send me the necessary information on how to be pregnant while I am HIV+. I am on medication as my doctor thought it was best to take it now rather than later when my CD4 count is low or when I start to get sick.

Answer provided by:

Donna Sweet, M.D., MACP
Professor of Internal Medicine
University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita

First, the TB meningitis has to be well controlled for you have a safe pregnancy. Secondly in regards to the HIV, to have a negative baby, you should be on three drug therapy (without efavirenz as it is toxic to the baby) so that you can reduce your viral load to undetectable. You need to discuss these therapy possibilities with your health care provider who can help you select the best regimen and one that contains zidovudine as one of drugs in the regimen if possible.

Since your partner is not HIV+ it would be best to utilize a method of artificial insemination utilizing his sperm to ensure that he is not infected with HIV from unprotected intercourse. There are methods of artificial insemination that can be done at home safely. I would suggest that if you have access to the internet, go to a website known as FertilityPlus.com. It has reliable instructions on safe insemination methods that can be accomplished at home. If you do not have access to that website, I would talk with your health provider about safe methods utilizing a large oral syringe and your partner’s semen. Lastly, perhaps counseling for you and your partner might help you get through this difficult time.

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