New HIV tests save babies' lives

Steps can be taken to protect the foetus

New HIV tests for pregnant women may prove crucial to the lives of five unborn babies whose mothers did not know they had the virus.

Since the July 2003 decision routinely to offer HIV screening during antenatal visits, five women in Greater Glasgow have tested positive.

It meant the women and health workers were able to take precautions to reduce risks to the foetuses.

Without treatment one in six babies of HIV positive women would be affected.

Diagnosis of the mother and appropriate delivery measures reduce the likelihood to one in 100 Dr Syed Ahmed Public Health Medicine Consultant

NHS consultant, Dr Syed Ahmed, said: "Although it's 18 months before it can be confirmed that a baby doesn't have HIV, diagnosis of the mother and appropriate delivery measures reduce the likelihood to one in 100."

He explained that NHS Greater Glasgow's move was part of a national drive to cut down on the number of babies being born with the virus.

Dr Ahmed added: "HIV positive mums-to-be are also being given the option of a caesarean delivery and are encouraged to bottle feed rather than breast feed -- again cutting down the risk of infecting the baby.

"The earlier we know a woman is HIV positive, the better chance we have of preventing mother-to-baby transmission and extending and improving the woman's life as a mum"