The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all women get tested for HIV before they become pregnant or as early as possible during each pregnancy. The earlier HIV is detected, the sooner HIV medicines can be started.

Pregnant women with HIV take HIV medicines to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. When started early, HIV medicines are more effective at preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The HIV medicines will also protect the women’s health.