Human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnancy

Among an estimated 1 million to 1.5 million Americans infected with HIV, about 10 per cent are women. Moreover, almost 30 per cent of HIV infection among women is acquired through heterosexual activity. Therefore, the average obstetrician/gynecologist is not sheltered from dealing with HIV. This article offers guidelines for caring for HIV-infected pregnant women during antepartum, intepartum, and postpartum phases.