Building a relationship with your healthcare providers

Building a relationship with your healthcare providers

Some HIV positive women may feel nervous about talking to their healthcare provider about having a baby because they have heard that not all doctors support women with HIV to have babies. While this may be true, know that you have the right to have a child just like any other woman.

Some doctors are not experienced with HIV and pregnancy, but you can help them find information about having a healthy positive pregnancy. Let your doctor know that guidelines exist for the care of HIV positive women during pregnancy. CATIE (Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, www.catie.ca or 1-800-263-1638) can direct your doctor to the most up-to-date guidelines. Some women choose to have their babies closer to large cities where doctors are more experienced with HIV and pregnancy.

You may also wish to have a midwife assist during your pregnancy. In Canada, most provinces have laws that regulate midwife services, but only some provinces cover the cost. You can find more information at