I was a little throw off by my OB requesting an HIV and Hepatitis B test... I am 20 weeks along. Is this a common prenatal test? It now has me worried. Both my husband and I had other partners before we met... and now I am scared of the possibility that we might have something. Is this a normal scare or am I just being unneccessarily worried?
2007-04-19 05:13:27 · 34 answers · asked by Cupid 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
It is normal to have an HIV test. I have had one with each of my pregnancies even though I was in a monogamous relationship with my husband and had been tested before we were married.
HIV can be spread in other ways then by sex, and the OB is just trying to protect you, the baby and herself. If you are HIV positive they can take steps to ensure that the baby does not get infected during labor.
Don't worry, I'm sure you are fine.
2007-04-19 05:19:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are being a worry wart, chill out, the baby knows when you are stressed. You should be worried if the doctor didn't insist on having these tests done. This is probably your first visit, so it is not uncommon to have all the STD testing done. You both should have been tested before you were married, or either you trust each other that much, so you have nothing to worry about if you and your hubby have been faithful. The tests are done for the safety of the baby. Better you know if something is wrong before it's too late. Some STDs can do alot of harm to the baby (cause blindness or skin problems) so the doctor needs to know these things. You should ask the doctor if you have any questions though, I'm sure they would be happy to explain. All the best.
2007-04-19 05:36:20 · answer #2 · answered by TRUTH HURTZ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It has been becoming more common. People who never believe they could be at risk are often shocked that they are HIV positive. Doctors also see more and more people with lifestyles that pute them at higher risk.
Here are some things to consider:
Early testing if you are HIV positve can possibly save your baby. If you are positive you can be given the drug cocktail. Some babies born to women who wer eon the cocktail have been born HIV free, Many are born with lower viral loads if the mom was on the cocktail. This can also prolong both the baby and moms life if they are positive. Women who are pregnant with hiv often fast their first aids crisis while pregnant. Hepatitis B is important too becuase preventative care can be given.
Now here is the downside. If you tested positive how safe and private will your medical information be? Will your insurance carrier have access to that information? This information can be used to discriminate against you in your job, insurance or medical care. If you are positive You could face the possibilty of social service intervention with your child. Women who are positive can not breast feed their babies, Women have been prosecuted for this. As enlightened as we are supposed to have become most people who are HIV positive face huge hurdles with community support, families and discrimination. some times testing alone even with a negative result would be enough to cause them personal backlash.
So you have to weigh here some very serious things. My reccomendation would be refusing the testing with your doctor and advising him you wish to test with someone who will keep that information confidential and off of your main medical record. You may have to pay for this test then so it does not show up on your insurance. There are public agencies that can do the testing confidentially for you. Assure your doctor you are not avoiding the test you are just concerned about having that info in your medical file. Yes your medical file is private but your insurance carrier gets that informationad often your employer who deals with insurance benefits and people talk even when they are supposed to remain confidential. You can also buy the test in drug stores or buy them online to test in private at home.
I strongly advise though if you do test positive then do let your medical providor know. You will want the best medical care you can get for you and your baby.
If the test is negative you can show your physican but request that no copy be made or posted in your medical file.
2007-04-19 05:32:46 · answer #3 · answered by Pazzionflower 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those are common tests and your OB should have also requested a clumidea test. They test for all the stds you could get they even have to test pregnant moms that have not had other partners. So I wouldn't be worried but it is wise to always get tested just so you don't have to have those sort of worries. congrats on the pregnancy
2007-04-19 05:25:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is part of standard testing. It's normal to be stricken with fear when this type of testing is mentioned. It's hard to face the reality, that yes, it could happen to any of us who have sex with just ONE other person. Human nature tends to find that ignorance is bliss, but in actuality we should be seeking comfort in education and knowledge. I am sure you will be fine and in the worst case scenario remember this ...... It is not the end of the world. While there is no cure, it is certainly not the death sentence it once was. There are treatments out there just like any other disease and it is possible to live a long, happy, productive life.
2007-04-19 05:24:40 · answer #5 · answered by gg55 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a state mandated law to have an HIV test twice during your pregnancy. The thoughts you are having are normal, but do not worry - it is a test that has to be done, its not b/c the doc thinks you need to have it.
2007-04-19 05:18:43 · answer #6 · answered by glazeddonut27 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is the first set of tests that everyone gets hun dont worry. I am surprised you are just getting it now i had mine done first ob appointment. It is necessary for your health and the babies. If you are positive for hiv they can give you medicine that may prevent you from passing it to your child
2007-04-19 05:18:06 · answer #7 · answered by jessica s 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, its a routine test-- in fact its one of the MOST common.
It's okay to be scared but the doc isn't ordering the test for any particular reason other than routine.... and after this you dont have to worry about it again!
2007-04-19 05:17:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
They routinely test for HIV and Hep B when you are pregnant. Try not to worry, they aren't singling you out because they think there is a possibility you have it, they test everyone.
2007-04-19 05:28:26 · answer #9 · answered by kat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is. I had it done with both of my kids. They are only 17 months apart so it hadn't even been a year since my last test and they still did it. they just want to make sure they are able to determine any problems with you or the baby ahead of time. It is a common procedure.
2007-04-19 05:19:07 · answer #10 · answered by supermommy 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋