Components of Preconception Health Care for HIV-infected Women

Care for women with HIV infection has specific challenges before conception and during pregnancy that should be addressed in a comprehensive, standardized plan of care. Preconception care for HIV-infected women includes health recommendations and counseling for safer sexual practices, contraception, and pregnancy planning. The goals are: (1) to improve the health of the woman before conception; (2) to identify risk factors for adverse maternal or fetal outcomes and initiate interventions to optimize outcomes; and (3) to prevent transmission of HIV to infants as well as sexual partners. Preconception care is not a single clinical visit, but rather ongoing care that is integrated into primary care to address the needs of women with HIV infection during the different stages of reproductive life.1 This article will review the components of preconception health care for HIV-infected women, emphasizing a process of ongoing care throughout the reproductive years.