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HIV in Pregnant Women

Pregnant women – woman in white

HIV infection in pregnant women is an important public health concern. Antenatal screening for HIV should routinely be offered to all pregnant women, as early diagnosis and management is important both to prevent transmission to the child and for the mothers health. Data collected from antenatal screening monitoring and prevalence surveys inform UK policy on interventions and improvements in the care of pregnant women, in addition to contributing to the understanding of the HIV epidemic in the general population.

 

Latest reports

HIV data for pregnant women

Key findings

  • In 2009, one in 449 women giving birth in England was HIV-infected, this was an increase from 2008 when around in every 482 women giving birth were HIV-infected.
  • The prevalence of HIV among pregnant women living in London has decreased by more than 10% over the previous five year from 0.44% in 2005 to 0.39% in 2009.
  • HIV prevalence in pregnant women living outside London has increased by 13% between 2005 and 2009.
  • Although an increase in HIV prevalence in UK-born women giving birth has been observed over the last ten years, prevalence in the last 5 years has remained stable; between 0.04% and 0.05%.
  • Among sub-Saharan African born pregnant women, those living outside London have a significantly higher HIV prevalence (3.4%) compared to those living inside London (2.2%).
  • Rates of detection of HIV in pregnant women in the UK remain high: at least 88 out of every 100 HIV-infected pregnant women are estimated to be diagnosed prior to delivery. This figure will improve once more data is received.

 

Annual reports and related information