41. Why is it recommended that all pregnant women have an HIV test?

HIV can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and breastfeeding (see question 20). However, there are medicines that can reduce this risk. The sooner a pregnant woman confirms she has HIV, the sooner she can begin treatment to lower the risk of passing the virus to her baby and for her own health

(see question 52). Because it is so important for pregnant women to know their HIV

status, doctors are required to provide HIV counseling to all pregnant women in New York State and to recommend testing. Ideally, women should know their HIV status before considering pregnancy. HIV testing should occur as early as possible in pregnancy and should be repeated in the third trimester.