Protecting my baby

  • HIV infected mothers can also pass the virus to their babies through the placenta during pregnancy, delivery and through the breast milk during breastfeeding periods.

  • To enable early detection of HIV infection in the mother and allows prompt intervention to protect the baby, pregnant women should have antenatal check-up for HIV antibody. HIV test is offered to all expectant mothers attending the Maternal and Child Health Centres of the Department of Health and the Antenatal clinics of Hospital Authority hospitals as part of routine antenatal blood testing without additional charge.

For expectant mothers with positive HIV test result

You will be offered specialist care. You can greatly reduce the risk of passing on HIV to your baby if you:

  • receive of antiretroviral therapy, which are given in the course of pregnancy, during delivery and to the baby after birth.

  • discuss the risks and benefits of Caesarean Section versus vaginal delivery with their doctors.

  • Breastfeeding of the newborn should also be avoided.

For expectant mothers with negative HIV test result

  • keep using condom properly for each sexual contact is recommenced to protect the baby.