In a message dated 4/22/99 8:57:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< Also: most of the evidence regarding transmission of HIV from mom to baby
 points to the birth process. A non-affected baby can pick up the virus
 during birth, be negative for a while and then eventually convert; remember,
 conversion is not immediate, it takes time. >>

There seems to be so much confusion about transmission of the virus. To
clarify the above.  All babies born to HIV+  women will test positive for
about 12 to 15 months. Since they have started giving AZT to moms  during
pregnancy, labor and delivery, and to the baby for 6 weeks after birth, the
transmission rate is down to about 8%. This means that 92% of babies born to
HIV+ women will actually be negative. They are now doing c/sections, prior to
ruptured membranes, and this reduces the transmission rate even more.  I hope
this clears up some of the above confusion.
Roni M. Chastain, RN, LCCE, FACCE
Long Island, New York

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