Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the impact and outcome of consultations of HIV-infected women if a pregnancy is planned.
Methods: This study was performed retrospectively based on patient's records of HIV-infected women with the desire to become pregnant between 2000 and 2008. Relevant data regarding HIV infection, obstetrical history, diagnostic procedures and medical interventions related to conception, as well as pregnancy outcomes, were evaluated.
Results: A total of 57 HIV-infected women (and their partner) were included; 38% (n = 22) of the couples showed a reduced fertility and 24 women (42%) became pregnant once or several times during the study period. Conception resulted from unprotected intercourse (n = 11), self-insemination (n = 10), assisted insemination (n = 2) or in vitro fertilization (n = 1). The outcome of all pregnancies was: 26 live births, 1 intrauterine fetal demise (38 weeks), 1 miscarriage, 1 cervical pregnancy and 1 legal abortion. No horizontal transmission occurred in serodiscordant couples. Seven (12%) women were lost to follow-up, 12 couples (21%) abandoned the attempt to get pregnant, and 14 couples (25%) reported an ongoing wish for a child.
Conclusions: In this group of HIV-affected couples, we showed a high rate of reduced fertility. In our study, consultations and interventions led to a pregnancy rate of 42% without horizontal transmission of HIV.