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Quick Facts - Vertical Transmission

From Mark Cichocki, R.N.,
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Susan Olender, MD

Perintal Transmission of HIV

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:

Created: September 10, 2006
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