Preventing Transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus From Mothers to Infants: Review of Research and Guidelines for Practice

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic continues to evolve worldwide and has affected all members of society, including pregnant women and their unborn children. Strategies for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) in resource-rich countries have had a positive impact on the rate of transmission, which has been declining from approximately 25% to 2% or less. Awareness of one's HIV status is paramount in the pregnant woman. Nurses caring for the mother-infant dyad play a key role in the ongoing prevention of MTCT by being knowledgeable about how HIV is transmitted between the mother and child during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. Provision of ongoing support throughout the delivery process and in the postpartum period is essential for all families, especially families living with HIV. This article will discuss strategies, from the current research, to decrease MTCT: prenatal screening for HIV; antiretroviral therapy for mother and infant during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum; optimal birth strategies; and appropriate testing of the newborn for HIV.