Getting an HIV positive result is often devastating for most women in Kenya, with a number going into depression while others seek medication to help them live longer. It does not matter, whether you are married or single such news can shatter dreams of starting a family anytime soon. However, for those that decide to take antiretroviral drugs and live a healthier lifestyle the possibilities of getting pregnant are much better as the advancement in the medical world is continuously shattering myths about their inability to conceive. It is safe to say that many women in Kenya have successfully conceived and delivered healthy babies that are free from HIV due to advancement in medicine related to the disease.
If you are pregnant and HIV positive you can still enjoy your pregnancy with minimal complications. Some of the important things to keep in mind on your nine-month journey include:
- Focus on the positive
Typically, a pregnant woman with HIV is considered to be high risk, meaning you need extra care than others in the same condition. It is common to think of all the things that could go wrong but it is advisable to be positive. Focus on the positive stories of mums that have delivered healthy babies despite being HIV positive. Fill your mind with thoughts of holding your unborn baby in your arms knowing they are healthy and well. Also, involve your partner if in a relationship or marriage to lighten the load of the pregnancy journey.
- Seek support
The decision to get pregnant while HIV positive or keep your baby is likely to be met with a lot of stigma from many people. Therefore, it is important to be around family and friends that support your decision and are interested in seeing you succeed. Also, choose to work with doctors that support your choices and are willing to offer information that will ensure you carry the pregnancy to full term and prevent mother to child transmission during delivery.
- Take your ARVs
Stick to your antiretroviral therapy schedule as instructed by your doctor to keep your viral load low and reduce the chances of developing resistance to medication. Let your growing baby motivate you to take your drugs at the right time and in the required quantity to increase their chances of survival. In some cases, your doctor may have to change your medication to avoid harming the baby, so it is important to discuss with them beforehand.
- Eat healthily
Expectant women with HIV are advised to eat well to ensure that the baby gets all the nutrients it needs to grow while preparing the mums body for labour and delivery. The increased need for nutrition will require you to eat a balanced diet and in some cases take prenatal multivitamins. Also, regular intake of folic acid tablets will help avoid iron deficiency which can affect the normal growth of the unborn baby.
Overall, the success of your pregnancy journey in Kenya when HIV largely depends on early preparation and maintaining of a positive mindset till the end.
