Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • With the right HIV treatment and care, women with HIV can have children and breastfeed without fear of the virus passing on to their baby.
  • Mother to child HIV transmission is now rare in Australia due to the availability of effective HIV treatment.
  • Effective treatment can also prevent sexual transmission of HIV - so natural conception is an option even if one partner does not have the virus.
  • If you have HIV, see your GP to discuss your conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding options. GPs can organise referrals to HIV services that help women with HIV manage their pregnancies.
  • Women who are not on HIV treatment or have a detectable viral load can pass on HIV to their baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. Discuss your options with a practitioner experienced in HIV if you are pregnant or considering children.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 28-09-2023