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Learn More About HIV

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HIV and Pregnancy

If you are living with HIV and wish to have a child, it is important to know that today it is absolutely possible to have a baby without transmitting the virus.The key is to follow your therapy consistently and be supported throughout the pregnancy by a team of specialists, which may include an infectious disease specialist, gynecologist, and pediatrician.  

If the expectant mother adheres to antiretroviral therapy and the virus undetectable in the third trimester of pregnancy,the risk of transmission to the baby becomes very low (according to the latest data, even below 1%). 

If you are already on stable treatment:

Discuss your desire for motherhood with your infectious disease specialist. Together, you can assess whether your current therapy is suitable and safe during pregnancy for both you and your baby, whether additional preconception tests are needed, and review the latest scientific evidence to make informed decisions. If only one of the prospective parents is living with HIV, the team will explain how the couple can safely pursue parenthood without risk.

In fact, if only your partner is living with HIV, it is essential that they follow therapy and maintain an undetectable viral load. Under these conditions, the risk of transmitting HIV to the partner during conception is virtually zero. If the woman remains HIV-negative, she cannot transmit the infection to the baby.

If HIV is diagnosed during pregnancy:

Do not panic! You will be immediately taken in charge by a specialized center. You will undergo all necessary tests and start antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible, protecting both your baby and your own health. 

Together with the team, all tests to be performed during pregnancy will be evaluated, the most appropriate mode of delivery for your case will be discussed, and whether prophylaxis for your baby is recommended.

Even with an undetectable viral load, the virus can be present in breast milk. In general, artificial feeding is recommended, which in Italy is free of charge. However, if you wish to breastfeed, discuss this with the team managing your pregnancy—they will support you in making the most appropriate choice for your situation. 

How to approach this journey:

• Therapy adherence: Use reminders, pill organizers, and partner support.
• Regular check-ups:Follow the schedule of visits and tests.
• Communication:Inform your doctors about any other medications or supplements.
• Support: Ask for help if you have doubts or fears; it is normal to have them.

In summary:

With consistent therapy, regular monitoring, and an experienced team by your side, you can navigate pregnancy without fear, knowing that the risk of transmitting HIV to your baby is very low. Your desire for parenthood is possible—step by step, safely! 

References
HIV e AIDS – Salute Lazio. (n.d.). https://www.salutelazio.it/hiv-e-aids

Discover HIV and how to live with it.

Important: useful numbers and contacts

How we will try to contact you

We will call you from a national landline number that starts with:

0655170 [...]

It is very important to answer: we are trying to get in touch with you!

How you can contact APC Immuno

To contact APC Immuno directly, please call the following number:

0655170333

We will answer from Mon to Sat from 11:00 to 13:00 compatibly with clinical needs.

For any clinical need it is always better to speak directly with the APC Immuno Staff. o clarify doubts of organizational nature you can send an email to apcimmuno@inmi.it. Do not use the email for clinical questions! We might not answer your question immediately!

How you can contact UOS Counseling, HIV and STI Testing and Prophylaxis

To contact UOS Counseling, HIV and STI Testing and Prophylaxis directly call the number

0655170620

We will answer from Mon to Sat from 11:00 to 13:00 compatibly with clinical needs.
To clarify doubts you can send an email to stanza13@inmi.it
Useful documents

What to always bring with you

• Health Insurance Card

• Valid identification document
• Exemption card for pathology 020.042 or other valid exemption

⚠️ ATTENTION: If you do not have a health insurance card you will have to go with a valid identification document to the CUP for the issuance or renewal of theSTP/ENI and sign, if you meet the requirements, the certificate of indigence, which must be renewed every 6 months, like the STP/ENI. In this way you will be able to benefit from the X01 exemption. Afterwards, you will still have to go to your local ASL with the pathology certificate to obtain the pathology exemption.

Important note on consent to care and participation in research studies

Upon your arrival at Spallanzani you will be asked to sign a document regarding consent to care. It is possible that during a medical visit you will be asked to also sign further consents for participation in clinical and research studies.

Spallanzani, as a Research Institute,participates in numerous clinical studies.
Your possible support is precious to improve care pathways and contribute to the progress of HIV research.

Participation in studies is always voluntary, free, and independent from the care pathway. The Doctor will explain to you in a clear and simple way the contents of the proposed study, which is always approved by the Ethics Committee, guarantees privacy according to current regulations, and from which you can withdraw at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If I Have a Problem That I Think May Be Related to My HIV Infection?

Please contact the information desk: The Nursing Staff will assess the situation and, if necessary, help you schedule an appointment for a medical consultation.

You can access them through the Electronic Health Record (if you have SPID or CIE), or by using the link provided by the CUP staff when you undergo the blood draw.

Please email prenotazioni.spallanzani@inmi.it no later than two days before the scheduled date to reschedule the appointment.

Many procedures can be performed at our hospital. However, some must be scheduled through the Regional CUP number at 069939.

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