HIV infection in pregnancy. A review of current developments

It appears that pregnancy itself is not adversely affected by HIV infection, but the course of HIV infection in the mother may be accelerated by pregnancy. The results of the 076 trial have changed our approach to AIDS in pregnancy. Heretofore AZT was only given for maternal indications such as severe immunodeficiency (CD4 count less than 200). We now recommend that AZT be given to all women with HIV infection and to infants postpartum. As to mode of delivery, Cesarean section may be beneficial, but we await further studies. We strongly encourage all pregnant women to have HIV testing regardless of risk factors. The HIV epidemic is here, in North Carolina. It is our responsibility as doctors to help pregnant women as best we can with their disease.