For most women in Kenya that are HIV positive and pregnant, having a safe delivery is usually their biggest concern as their expected delivery date draws near. In most cases, their main focus is to ensure that they avoid transmitting the HIV virus to their baby regardless of the birth option chosen. Most doctors advise on the best birth option for HIV pregnant women depending on their individual circumstances and overall health.
Even so, it is important for HIV positive mums to have regular discussions with their doctor so that they can highlight the pros and cons of various birthing options. In addition, doing your own personal research whether online or in medical journals will give you a chance to make an informed decision for you and your baby’s well being. Although the birth options for HIV positive women are varied depending on the advancement of medical care, in Kenya those that are available are:
1.Caesarean Section
Majority of doctors advise women to go for caesarean section because of the reduced risk of mother to child transmission of HIV during delivery. When a woman has a high viral load and may not be on ARVs, certain drugs can be introduced to minimize the risk of transmission. In most cases, the surgery is done at 38 weeks before labour can begin with the pregnant mum still taking her ARVs while in the hospital to ensure that their viral load is minimal. Although c-section surgeries require patients to keep off meals or drinks some hours before surgery, HIV women are exceptions with many allowed to take their drugs. In some cases, complications such as infections on the operated area can arise, which makes it important to be prepared in advance and even be open to taking antibiotics during surgery to minimize their occurrence.
2.Vaginal delivery
Although scheduling a C-Section is the most obvious birth option for HIV women, there are some that have delivered vaginally. However, it is only advisable for mums that have been religiously taking their antiretroviral therapy medicine to control HIV. Most times, your doctor will monitor your viral load before advising on whether vaginal delivery is a safe option or not. Women that have a low viral load have a higher chance of having a normal delivery without putting their unborn baby at risk of getting HIV.
Apart from checking the viral load, doctors also look out for other complications associated with pregnancy before giving a go-ahead. In case a complication is detected that could put the mother or unborn baby in danger, vaginal delivery is often discouraged as the pregnancy is already categorized as high risk.
In general, both birth options focus on making sure that the baby does not get infected with HIV during labour and actual delivery. After the baby is born, they will be tested for up to six months to confirm whether they are HIV negative or positive. In most cases, mums in Kenya that have been diligent with taking their ARV drugs when pregnant and deliver in a well-equipped hospital with qualified doctors often deliver babies that are HIV negative.
