Pregnancy and HIV / AIDS
The instances of HIV infection and other forms of sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise. As I have mentioned in the earlier sections, a gross share of the population is still ignorant of the paradigm. They indulge in loose sexual encounters and share a syringe while injecting themselves with the so-called intoxication drugs. The affected do not realize that they are endangering their lives as well the lives of their loved ones through their shabby behavior.
Unplanned pregnancy is a little known aftereffect of sexual promiscuity. The child will derive almost all the nutrients (for its sustenance) from the womb of the mother itself. Precisely, the nutrient enriched blood of the mother will feed the child. Therein lays the peril of sexually transmitted diseases. Most of the causative organisms (HIV in our case) remain in the bloodstream and the bodily fluids of the host. If you think about it, you will realize how the child contracts the ailment from its mother.
There is another mode with the help of which, the virus might find its way to the child. It is via breast-feeding. Please bear in mind that the milk secreted by the mother falls under the category of bodily fluids. The mother will feed the child without even being aware of the scenario. This is one major reason why the physicians often implore women with loose sexual conducts to test themselves for HIV infection occasionally. These women are acting as a problem for themselves and for the newborn child - who is completely unaware of the happenings.
What I have listed in the above passages is the theoretical aspects. It may or may not work as cited. Why do I include some space for doubts over here? The recent advancements in the medical niche have enabled the physicians to cut the transmission levels (of the virus from the infected mother to the child) by about 2%. It might come as a surprise to many readers. It is indeed viable as well as feasible to reduce the rate of infection. The same might not turn out to be true for the adults who are already infected.
There are many other ways with the aid of which, a HIV positive mother can bear a child without endangering its life in any manner. Planned pregnancy tops the list. The decision to conceive a child must be left at the sole discretion of the patient. Another method (which is often practiced in the developed countries) is artificial insemination. By opting for this method, the HIV infected mother can bear a child without putting into risk the life of her partner. Since there are remedial measures (that can inhibit the passage of the viruses to the child), the overall situation might appear safe.
There have been instances where the drugs consumed by the mother can indirectly affect the growth of the child. It is better to seek expert counsel from a renowned physician, if you do not wish for something like that to materialize.