ENUGU STATE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (ESUCOM)
FACULTY OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING SCIENCE
ASSIGNMENT
DISCUSS MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION OF HIV UNDER THE
FOLLOWING SUBHEADINGS:
TRANSMISSION RISK FACTORS.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES.
PRENATAL CARE.
DELIVERY AND POSTNATAL CARE.
TREATMENT AND FOLLOW-UP.
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT AIMED AT HELPING PREGNANT
WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV TO COPE WITH THEIR DIAGNOSIS AND
NAVIGATE THEIR PREGNANCY JOURNEY.
BY
NAME: CYRIACUS PRAISE CHINENYE
REG NO: 2020030193693
LEVEL: 500
COURSE TITLE: MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NURSING IV
COURSE CODE: NSC-541
LECTURER: MRS. UDEH C.
FEBRUARY, 2025
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, also known as vertical
transmission, occurs when an HIV-positive mother passes the virus to her child
during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. With proper care and treatment, the
risk of MTCT can be significantly reduced.
Transmission Risk Factors.
Several factors increase the risk of MTCT:
1. High viral load: Women with high viral loads are more likely to transmit HIV
to their child.
2. Lack of antiretroviral therapy (ART): Not receiving ART or not adhering to
treatment increases the risk of MTCT.
3. Advanced HIV disease: Women with advanced HIV disease (e.g., low CD4
count) are more likely to transmit HIV.
4. Prolonged labor: Longer labor increases the risk of MTCT.
5. Fetal monitoring: Invasive fetal monitoring procedures (e.g., scalp electrodes)
increase the risk of MTCT.
6. Breastfeeding: HIV can be transmitted through breast milk, especially if the
mother is not on ART.
Preventive Measures
To reduce the risk of MTCT, the following preventive measures can be taken:
1. ART: Antiretroviral therapy reduces the viral load, making it less likely for the
mother to transmit HIV to her child.
2. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs: These
programs provide HIV testing, ART, and other interventions to prevent MTCT.
3. Safe delivery practices: Elective cesarean delivery, avoiding invasive fetal
monitoring, and minimizing maternal-fetal blood exposure can reduce the risk
of MTCT.
4. Exclusive formula feeding: Avoiding breastfeeding can prevent postnatal
transmission of HIV.
5. Counseling and education: Educating women about MTCT, its risks, and
preventive measures empowers them to make informed decisions.
Prenatal Care
Regular prenatal care is crucial for pregnant women living with HIV:
1. HIV testing: Early HIV testing allows for timely initiation of ART.
2. ART initiation: Starting ART as soon as possible reduces the viral load and risk
of MTCT.
3. Viral load monitoring: Regular viral load monitoring ensures the effectiveness
of ART.
4. CD4 count monitoring: Monitoring CD4 counts helps assess the mother's
immune status.
5. Prenatal vitamins and nutrition: Proper nutrition and prenatal vitamins support
the mother's overall health.
Delivery and Postnatal Care
During delivery and postpartum:
1. Elective cesarean delivery: Consider elective cesarean delivery to reduce the
risk of MTCT.
2. Intrapartum ART: Administering ART during labor can further reduce the risk
of MTCT.
3. Postnatal ART: Continue ART postpartum to maintain viral suppression.
4. Infant prophylaxis: Administer antiretroviral prophylaxis to the infant to
prevent HIV acquisition.
5. Follow-up care: Regular follow-up care for both mother and infant ensures
continued viral suppression and monitoring.
6. Treatment and Follow-Up
1. ART adherence: Encourage adherence to ART to maintain viral suppression.
2. Viral load monitoring: Regular viral load monitoring ensures the effectiveness
of ART.
3. CD4 count monitoring: Monitoring CD4 counts helps assess the mother's
immune status.
4. Infant HIV testing: Regular HIV testing for the infant ensures early detection
and treatment.
5. Family planning: Provide counseling on family planning options to prevent
unintended pregnancies.
Psychosocial Support
1. Counseling: Provide emotional support and counseling to address the
psychological impact of HIV diagnosis.
2. Peer support groups: Encourage participation in peer support groups to connect
with others living with HIV.
3. Partner and family support: Educate partners and family members about HIV
and MTCT to promote a supportive environment.
4. Stigma reduction: Address and reduce stigma associated with HIV to promote
a positive and supportive community.
5. Mental health services: Provide access to mental health services to address
anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
HIV Testing and Counseling
1. HIV testing: Offer HIV testing to all pregnant women as early as possible.
2. Counseling: Provide counseling before and after HIV testing to address
concerns and promote informed decision-making.
3. Partner testing: Encourage partner testing to promote a supportive environment.
4. Disclosure support: Provide support and guidance on disclosure of HIV status
to partners, family, and friends.
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
1. ART initiation: Start ART as soon as possible after HIV diagnosis.
2. ART adherence: Encourage adherence to ART to maintain viral suppression.
3. ART regimen: Choose an ART regimen that is safe and effective for pregnant
women.
4. ART side effects: Monitor and manage ART side effects to ensure adherence.
5. ART resistance: Monitor for ART resistance and adjust the regimen as needed.
Infant Prophylaxis
1. Infant prophylaxis: Administer antiretroviral prophylaxis to the infant to prevent
HIV acquisition.
2. Prophylaxis regimen: Choose a prophylaxis regimen that is safe and effective for
infants.
3. Prophylaxis duration: Administer prophylaxis for the recommended duration to
ensure effectiveness.
4. Prophylaxis side effects: Monitor and manage prophylaxis side effects to ensure
adherence.
Breastfeeding and HIV
1. Breastfeeding risks: Educate women about the risks of HIV transmission
through breastfeeding.
2. Exclusive formula feeding: Recommend exclusive formula feeding to prevent
postnatal transmission of HIV.
3. Alternative feeding options: Provide information on alternative feeding options,
such as donor breast milk or formula.
4. Support and counseling: Offer support and counseling to help women make
informed decisions about feeding their infants.
Psychosocial Support for Families
1. Family-centered care: Provide family-centered care that addresses the needs of
both the mother and the infant.
2. Partner and family support: Educate partners and family members about HIV
and MTCT to promote a supportive environment.
3. Stigma reduction: Address and reduce stigma associated with HIV to promote a
positive and supportive community.
4. Mental health services: Provide access to mental health services to address
anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV requires a
comprehensive approach that includes HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy, safe
delivery practices, and infant prophylaxis. Additionally, providing psychosocial
support and addressing stigma and discrimination are crucial in promoting a
supportive environment for families affected by HIV. By working together, we can
reduce the risk of MTCT and promote a healthy and supportive environment for all
families.
