Title: [HIV-positive pregnancy. Good care is necessary]

POPLINE Document Number: 077729

Author(s):

Ottenblad C

Source citation:

VARDFACKET, 1991 Sep 26;15(16):XV-XVII.

Abstract:

Since the end of the 1980s the increase in the heterosexual spread if HIV infection in Sweden has led to infection of women and their children. The family and social care consultation at the psychiatric clinic of Huddinge hospital outside of Stockholm has been active in treating and providing support for pregnant women and their partners with such problems since the mid-1980s. In 1986 a pilot project was launched with the involvement of 22 maternal health care wards and 3 abortion counseling sites and districts with the aim of implementing voluntary HIV testing of all pregnant women. 99% consented, and 1 out of 2500 was found HIV-positive. As a result, all pregnant women are routinely offered an HIV test. The consultation team consists of a midwife, a counselor, a gynecologist, a pediatrician, and a psychiatrist. The team advises them and their partner about the risks to them and the child and about the options of keeping or aborting the child. Another group of HIV-infected women comes from Roslagstulls hospital; these women aware of their condition. Some take the 70% chance of giving birth to a healthy HIV-free child, but others choose abortion to avoid the 30% chance of having an HIV-infected child. The patient newly diagnosed with HIV is referred to a doctor to be informed of new treatment methods in time. The consultation also tries to mitigate the isolation and loneliness of infected patients. If the child is born, it is checked for HIV infection, and it can be declared free of it at the age of 18 months. Breast feeding is not recommended. The ethical questions concerning having a child when both parents are infected and the attitudes of staff towards HIV-positive human beings are also mentioned.

Keywords:

Sweden
HIV Infections
Pregnant Women
Counseling
Testing
Pregnancy Complications
HIV Testing
Decision Making
Child Health
Developed Countries
Europe, Northern
Europe
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Clinic Activities
Program Activities
Programs
Organization and Administration
Measurement
Research Methodology
Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses
Examinations and Diagnoses
Behavior
Health