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Pregnancy & HIV/AIDS

This page was reviewed or revised on Monday, January 19, 2004.

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS is the advanced stage of the disease caused by a virus called HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

The virus attacks and destroys the body's immune system, its defense against disease. Without protection of the immune system, people with AIDS suffer from fatal infections and cancers.

A person infected with HIV does not look any different and may not have any symptoms for a long time, i.e. 10-15 years.

How can you or your partner get the AIDS virus (HIV)?

• unprotected sex
• sharing dirty needles and works (needles, syringes, spoons, water)
• infected blood or blood products

How can your baby get the AIDS virus (HIV)?

If you are infected with HIV, it does not mean you will automatically pass it on to your child. Up to 75% of babies born to women infected with HIV don't develop the virus.

An AIDS test? Me?

A simple blood test can tell if someone has the AIDS virus (HIV). If the test is negative, it means the person is probably not infected. However, it can take 12-14 weeks for the infection to show on a test. If the test is positive, it means the person has been infected with the virus and could pass the virus on to others.

What about your baby?

Many women do not know they have the AIDS virus (HIV) that can be passed on to their infant during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Medicine that may lower the spread of the AIDS virus (HIV) to the baby is now available.

Where can you get tested?

• at your doctor's office
• at the Community Health Services by appointment (383-8331 Ext. 450)

More questions?

Ask your doctor or contact any of the following resources:

In Lambton County

Community Health Services
- information on transmission, contact tracing and testing
- tel: (519) 383-8331 Ext. 450

AIDS Support Committee of Sarnia-Lambton Inc.
- practical support, counselling and referrals to service
- tel: (519) 383-7704

In Toronto

Voices of Positive Women
- support and networking of women found to be living with HIV, and for others concerned with the issue
- tel: (416) 324-8703