New Perinatal HIV Guidelines Make Substantial Changes

Target Audience: Infectious disease specialists, obstetricians, and other clinicians caring for people with HIV

Background and Objective

Approximately 5000 women with HIV give birth each year in the U.S. Comprehensive care, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy, improves maternal outcomes and prevents HIV transmission to the infant. Based on new antiviral safety and pharmacokinetic information, the DHHS has made substantial changes to the perinatal HIV guidelines, last updated in 2017.

Key Points

• Maternal HIV testing should be performed as early as possible during pregnancy. If negative, testing should be repeated during the third trimester for those at inc…