Pregnancy and HIV Testing - HIV Prevention Message Board

07-18-2003, 05:30 AM

Hi,
I hope I don't sound like a total idiot to some of you but I'm pretty scared right now. I wouldn't call myself high risk, but the possibility is still there. I've been married for 6.5 years and we are pregnant with our first. I took a whole battery of tests a couple months ago and the doc forgot to order the HIV test. He sent me to the lab a couple of days ago to take it and now I'm totally freaked. I asked him if he felt there was a reason I need it and he said no that it was standard and that ALL pregnant women get it. Fair enough but I'm still scared now.

When I think back there was one man I was with once (We dated for about a month, it just didn't work out). I always felt kind of ****ty after him because it is not like me to have sex with a man after only dating him for a short time. He is the only one I can say I don't know his status. That was about 10 years ago.

My question is, 10 years after exposer, would my CBC done early in my pregnancy shown some abnormalities? I know that my CBC along with all my other prenatal bloodwork came back normal. Is that a good sign?

I know you all are probably tired of people come in here freaked out over their own ignorance but I am truely scared of receiving that phone call.. I just want us to be okay!

anyone · 07-18-2003, 09:21 AM

Hello veryscared.

You do not have to feel like a total idiot regarding this situation. I'm happy to know you are expecting your first child, that must be exciting. Just one piece of advise, dont let some doubt or fear about HIV (which you do not have...), ruin your happiness.

Your doctor is right on the money. HIV tests are usually included in the full prenatal checkup, it is routine so that should not surprise you. Its not like he suspects you or anything. About the man 10 years ago you mention, you do not say if you used a condom, and probably you dont remember since it has been so long. However, your chance of having acquired HIV from this man and not knowing for so long is virtually impossible.

Reassuring fact for you is that median progression from HIV to symptomatic AIDS (without medication) is usually 8 years. So the fact that everything looks normal for you, is awesome. Now...you say you did take an HIV test. When you receive your NEGATIVE result. You best forget about the whole HIV thing OK?

Besti wishes for your newborn and happiness, MOM!!

maybe helpful · 07-18-2003, 10:31 AM

Your CBC wont indicate HIV status. But, it is standard that ALL pregnant women are sent for an HIV test, so the desicion he made to have you get one isnt because he thought YOU needed one, but because it is recommended that ALL pregnant women recieve one. In my state, we must also recieve chamydia and syphlis testing. So the fact that he orederd the test is no reason to be concerned.

The fact that you are 6.5 years post exposure and feeling well is a great sign, and also that the test will be 100% conclusive. I am sure you are in the clear, and you and that baby will be fine! Stress is hard on anybody, but pregnancy is NOT a good time to be worried and stressful. So for the sake of your baby, rest easy. Your fine. Give the test a week to 10 days and then call the office. They should be able to tell you over the phone, at least my Dr. did. Or schedule another appt. to get the results. Good Luck!!

07-19-2003, 01:04 PM

Thank you guys so very much. You posts are definitely helping me to relax a little better. I promise that if my results are negative I will put the HIV worry out of my head forever. I will also be sure to let you guys know how it turns out. Please say a little prayer for us.

Thanks again!