infant hiv?

BarbPick · Jan 23, 2004

You are doing a disservice to yourself and your baby. A cbc will not give any clues as to your hiv status. Even though this is not ethical, most people in panic go donate blood. The blood will be screened and you will be called quickly if there is a problem.

Another thing about newborns and HIV, they can test positive at birth and then convert to Negative. (Why, I have no idea)

If positive, it is important to start on anti virals drugs to lower the viral load.

LydiaNN · Jan 23, 2004

There is a reason the HIV antibody test was developed; because it couldn't be detected by tests that were already available (ie a CBC). I am sure on one level you know that an abnormal CBC could indicate any one of dozens of things, but because it is HIV that is on your mind, that is what you've got yourself in a tizzy about. As to the answers about your baby- she wouldn't necessarily have shown any signs of HIV infection as of yet. Some babies are sickly from the beginning and in others, infection isn't evident for years. It is just impossible to make an educated guess. You can be tested anonymously at a Public Health Center and if the results are negative, no one ever needs to know, and your baby won't need to be tested. If the results are positive, you need to start treatment and your baby needs to be tested. I know you'd like a more definitive answer, but this is the only one you're likely to hear from nurses, because its the only one we have.

TweetiePieRN · Jan 23, 2004

Karen, the only way to find out if you have it is to specifically be tested. You being scared of finding out will not change the fact that you may or may not have it. Do it for your baby's sake!

Godswill · Jan 23, 2004

Originally posted by karen26
I desperately need answers to these questions. I have an 18 mos old daughter and I am petrified she contracted HIV from me during pregnancy. I have not been formerly diagnosed with the disease because I am too scared to get tested. I did get some blood work done which I will explain in a minute. So far, my child has seemed normal. Can you please tell me if my daughter was HIV+ at birth, would the doctors/nurses have been able to tell something was wrong with the tests they administer to all babies after they are born? Also, would her pediatrician notice any abnormalities thus far? She is up to date on all her shots and maintains healthy weight, eating, etc. Lastly, instead of getting an HIV test, I decided to get a CBC to see if any red flags appeared. The results stated I did have an abnormal wbc, slightly elevated to 11.6 (I think) and low iron. Tests were also done to check organ functions and all was normal. If I was infected, it would have been from an encounter nearly 3-4 years ago. I have not slept around in the past, but have had unprotected sex. Because of the abnormal cbc, my doctor wants to do further testing. I am scared to death thinking now that I am HIV+, and my daughter could be too. PLEASE HELP

Wow your doc never test u at beginning of pregnancy , my doc always test every one everytime she get preg for all STD including HIV. i suggest u go to a clinic and get test not knowing is worst than knowing . I have been trained as a AIDS speaker and i have nevered heared of doc running a test on a infant unless theres a reason to do so (ex, mother has it ). The odds are that its nothing, but if it upsetting u like this u need to get test because worrying about will not make it any better. I wish u the best,:)

RENAISSANCE RN · Jan 23, 2004

Hi,

I know this is distressing to you, however the only way you can resolve this problem is by being tested. You can get an anon. test from Home Access. This is the only FDA approved home test. A better option would be to call Planned Parenthood and see if they know of any anon testing sites. I feel this would be a better option because if for some reason you did test positive you would have support, mentally and socially.

I do not know your circumstance concerning why you think that you may have contracted the virus, however if you have any doubts you NEED to resolve this.

Another thing to think about- if for some reason you did have the HIV virus, there is a chance your infant may not have contracted it. Do not think that this is a black and white scenario.

I fear that if you do not get tested you will put yourself through a much greater hell. This could lead to clinical depression, which is much more dangerous in the short term.

I will pray that you find the strength and courage to get tested.

Remember only an HIV test can detect HIV.

God bless, your child and you are in my prayers.

Terri

MyReign1 · Apr 6, 2004

If you suspect that you are HIV+ you need to find out for sure and alert those that you have slept with since your encounter 3-4 years ago. That is not fair to any of the partners you have had since then. This is also not fair to your partner's partners. I know you may feel scared but your behavior has been very irresponsible. You said you may have contracted it 3-4 years ago and since then you have had a baby. So there is atleast one person out there who deserves to know your status. I wish you the best.

BeachNurse · Apr 21, 2004

While receiving pre-natal care, you should have had an HIV test! If + they would have referred you to a specialist who would have put you on antiretroviral drugs. You would have had at minimum a 75% chance of having a HIV negative baby. If you didn't take care of yourself while pregnant, oh well. But this baby did not ask to be born and you have the awesome responsibility of caring for her. If she is HIV+ and you don't seek treatment, she will die. If you seek treatment, she has a excellent chance of living a long happy life. If your child is HIV- then you got lucky. Either way you need to also seek treatment for yourself because you need to be there for her. HIV is not curable but is a chronic and MANAGEABLE disease now, much like diabetes. New meds are available--some you only take one pill once or twice a day. GET TESTED!!! You can do it... SO DO IT! Good luck.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2004

A CBC and standard blood tests tell you absolutely nothing.

You must ask specifically for an HIV test, sign a permit and receive counseling before and after the test. People (and babies) are not just randomly tested. And standard newborn testing would not include HIV unless there is a specific reason. Nor would it generally show any "signs".

Many places/OBs test all patients prenatally, but others do not. But you would have had to sign a permit/be counseled before and after.

BeachNurse · Apr 21, 2004

A CBC and standard blood tests tell you absolutely nothing.
You must ask specifically for an HIV test, sign a permit and receive counseling before and after the test. People (and babies) are not just randomly tested. And standard newborn testing would not include HIV unless there is a specific reason. Nor would it generally show any "signs".
Many places/OBs test all patients prenatally, but others do not. But you would have had to sign a permit/be counseled before and after.

You are right about signing the consent. Every OB office should at least offer it because one never knows who has the disease or not. She could have even done anonymous testing.

Aneroo, LPN · May 20, 2004

Ditto on what everyone else said. CBC will show nothing. The stress you're putting yourself through is doing your immune system a disservice. You need to be tested! If you are positive, you need to make sure you're protecting others, and that you're getting the correct health care to make sure you're as healthy for as long as possible. If you're negative, you need to get this pressure off of you!

As for your child, her test results would be accurate now. I believe after 15 months is when testing for infants is sure. It has to do with the mothers antibodies passed to the baby as to why babies would show up as HIV (+). Keep us updated, let us help you and give you support. -Andrea

lady_jezebel · May 25, 2004

It's highly unlikely that you are HIV positive from one relationship. Please don't worry needlessly. Take the test so that you can put your fears to rest. I betcha a million bucks that you and your baby are fine.