From Mark Cichocki, R.N.,
Your Guide to AIDS / HIV.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Susan Olender, MD

Here are some quick facts regarding perinatal transmission of HIV from April 2003 to March 2005.

• Approximately 6,000 to 7,000 HIV-infected women give birth each year in the United States, resulting in 280 to 370 new perinatal infections.

• Approximately 40% of the HIV infected women who pass their HIV to their child never knew the were HIV infected or were never tested for HIV during their pregnancy.

• About 40% of women that are of child bearing age do not know that perinatal transmission of HIV is preventable.

• Only about 33% of all hospitals offer rapid HIV testing to women in labor and only 50% of them have policies to test women whose HIV status is unknown.

• Pregnant women are more likely to get an HIV test when testing is an option they can decline as opposed to a requirement of their prenatal care.

_{Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; January 2005.}

For more information regarding HIV and pregnancy:

• HIV & Pregnancy

• Why is HIV Testing Recommended for Pregnant Women?

• How to Prevent Vertical Transmission of HIV