You can have a healthy pregnancy if you are HIV positive

You can have a healthy pregnancy if you are HIV positive

“HIV positive women should know that they can get pregnant.”

Are you HIV positive and pregnant or considering having a baby? You are not alone. Living with HIV does not necessarily take away your desire or your ability to have children. The good news is that advances in HIV treatment have allowed many HIV positive women to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.

Let’s be honest. Dealing with HIV can be difficult, and dealing with pregnancy can be difficult. But having the facts about how to get pregnant safely and how to prevent your baby from becoming HIV positive may help you overcome some of your fears and make you feel more confident in your decision about whether or not to have a child.

“I must have asked a million questions — most of them over and over again. My healthcare providers didn’t mind. I liked that.”

You probably have many questions. Asking questions is an important step in making choices. This booklet is meant to help you make informed decisions about your health during pregnancy as well as the health of your baby. As well, it includes words of support and inspiration from HIV positive women from across Canada.

“I found out I was pregnant and HIV positive at the same time. It was scary not knowing what to do.”

Maybe you are pregnant and have just found out that you are living with HIV. That can be a lot to deal with at once. In addition to the information provided in this booklet, you may want more information about HIV and its treatment, as well as whom to tell about having HIV. The most important thing right now is to find a doctor who can help you get this information and support your choices around your pregnancy and your HIV. The resources listed at the end of this booklet can link you to services in your area.