Care of pregnant women infected with human immunodeficiency virus

The Centers for Disease Control and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have recommended that pregnant women who are at increased risk for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome be tested for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus. When this recommendation is implemented, some clinicians who undoubtedly have had limited experience with patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus will be responsible for the care of pregnant women found to be asymptomatically infected with human immunodeficiency virus. There is, therefore, a need for information that will ensure that adequate counseling is provided and that appropriate medical and infection control measures are instituted. This article will review issues related to counseling and antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care of seropositive pregnant women.