HIV and Preconception- a Review

Abstract

In the recent past there has been a significant improvement in the quality of life and vast reduction in Human Immunodeficiency Virus- related mortality rates. The advent of antiretroviral therapy has largely contributed to this drastic increase in the life expectancy of Human Immunodeficiency Virus -infected individuals. In this review we have discussed about fertility issues in -infected people, preconception, fertility desires, effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus on pregnancy, factors affecting mother to child transmission, diet and advice in pre-conception, behavioural and psychological support, impact of preconception services and areas of future researches. Method- A internet based PUBMED, MD CONSULT, Science direct and African journals online search of all the articles dating from 1998 to 2012 available under the heading of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and preconception was carried out and a detailed review was presented. [Med-Science 2013; 2(2.000): 523-38]

Keywords

• Preconception
• pregnancy
• HIV
• nutrition
• fertility