Question #159bb

There are three ways through which babies can be transmitted HIV or AIDS: Transplacental, during pregnancy or via breast milk.

Transplacental infection is when pathogens cross the placenta and enter the embryo/fetus. This typically happens 22-28 weeks in the pregnancy, but always before the actual birth. The embryo or fetus is infected because it has practically no immune system, relying on the mother, but once the pathogen crosses the placenta it is completely vulnerable. Infections at this stage are the hardest to treat, and can cause unwanted miscarriages and infection after birth.

During pregnancy, the baby comes in contact with blood and the mothers bodily fluids, the carriers of HIV/AIDS, without the placental barrier, thus giving rise to the possibility of HIV/AIDS infection. The baby may be infected by other viruses and bacteria, however the chance for any of these is reduced drastically if there is proper medical intervention. The chances for infection during or after pregancy is much less then via transplacental.

Babies can also contract HIV/AIDS thorugh breastfeeding, as it is a channel the virus can be transmitted through. If not treated, the chance for a baby to contract HIV/AIDS over two years is approximately 17%. If treated properly, such as avoiding breastfeeding, taking antiretroviral drugs and possibly having an elective cesarian, the risk of a baby contracting HIV/AIDS during pregnancy or via breastfeeding reduces to about 1-2%.

I hope I helped!