Yes, you can have a family
“Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world” (Qur’an 18:46). For many Muslims living with HIV, the hope of children is one of the first worries after diagnosis. The good news is that with treatment, parents living with HIV have babies born without HIV, and couples where one spouse has HIV can conceive naturally.
How low is the risk?
According to the UK charity Terrence Higgins Trust, with treatment and the right care during pregnancy and birth, the chance of a baby having HIV is under 1%. When the mother’s viral load is undetectable, it falls to about 0.1%.
Planning a pregnancy
- Tell your HIV clinic early, ideally before you start trying, so they can check your treatment is right for pregnancy.
- Aim to be undetectable before conceiving. When the partner with HIV has an undetectable viral load, there is zero risk of passing HIV on through sex, so a couple can conceive naturally. The HIV-negative spouse can also take PrEP.
- Keep up treatment throughout. Never stop or change HIV medicine without speaking to your clinic.
The charity Tommy’s has a clear guide to planning a pregnancy with HIV.
During pregnancy and birth
The pregnancy is looked after by a team that includes your HIV clinic. Your viral load will be checked regularly. If it is undetectable near the end of pregnancy, a vaginal birth is usually recommended; if the virus is detectable, a planned caesarean may be advised to lower the risk further. Your team will explain the options for your situation.
After the baby is born
- Medicine for the baby: babies are usually given a liquid HIV medicine for about four weeks after birth as a precaution. It does not mean the baby has HIV.
- Testing: the baby has HIV tests at set points, typically at birth, around 6 and 12 weeks, and at 18 months, to confirm they are HIV-negative.
- Feeding: in the UK, formula feeding is recommended because it carries zero risk of passing HIV on after birth. Guidance on breastfeeding differs between countries and circumstances, so discuss it with your clinic before the baby arrives.
When the father has HIV
If the husband has HIV and the wife does not, the main goal is to protect her. When he is undetectable, there is zero risk of passing HIV to her, and therefore to the baby. She can also take PrEP. Your clinic can talk you both through it.
Sources
- Terrence Higgins Trust: Preventing transmission during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding
- Terrence Higgins Trust: Parenthood
- Tommy’s: Planning a pregnancy with HIV
- WHO: The role of HIV viral suppression (2023)