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Original poster

Is HIV routinely tested for in pregnancy?

39 replies

30338168 · 02/10/2008 16:43

I'm really worried, as GP has asked me to have a test. I've had an infection lately that doesn't want to go away and he mentioned today while racking his brains that he couldn't see if I had had a test when I was last pregnant.

I thought they routinely test for HIV in pregnancy - I would imagine it has to be on your notes in case you end up needing surgery, or whatever - but I haven't any record as my materniry notes were taken away after a few weeks.

I haven't slept with anyone else since then and I was tested prior to being with ds's father, who appears to be fine though he has never had a test.

I'm really scared now.. GP said something about HIV1 and HIV2 and he hadn't got a record of my having the second, I think that was what he said anyway - and has given me a form for them to take a blood sample at the hospital.

Please can anyone set my mind at rest because if I was tested in pregnancy (2 years ago) there's not much chance I could have contracted it since then.

Also how long do results take please? I'm totally freaking out actually
Thanks

OP posts:

Charlee · 02/10/2008 16:44

Yes i think i was tested with both my boys, i think the yhave to ask your permission first though.

SparklyGothKat · 02/10/2008 16:46

They ask you if you want the test in pregnancy.

CoteDAzur · 02/10/2008 16:46

Yes, they test for HIV during your first blood test during pregnancy. Results come back in 2-3 days.

littlerach · 02/10/2008 16:47

I was tested almost 5 years ago, with dd2.

solo · 02/10/2008 16:48

It's your choice, it cannot be forced on you.

hanaflower · 02/10/2008 16:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Belgianchocolates · 02/10/2008 16:51

Yes, it's tested for routinely, but only with your permission. Your midwife should have told you and you can opt out. If you're not sure your GP at the time of your pregnancy should have your records and any blood results I think.

mosschops30 · 02/10/2008 16:52

yes if it was two years ago you would have been tested, it has been routine for at least 4 years (not sure how long exactly).

Phone you maternity unit and ask, or the pathology lab at your local hospital, they wont give you anything over the phone but may point you in the right direction in getting your details and whether you had the test.

I dont think it stays on your notes and has nothing to do with surgery, people are not tested for HIV prior to surgery although it useful to staff to know whether a patient is HIV positive.

I have no idea what your GP was referring too with HIV1 and HIV2, HIV is HIV

bogie · 02/10/2008 16:55

I was tested both times once with ds nearly 3 years ago and once with dd who is 3 weeks old now

uberalice · 02/10/2008 17:05

I was offered tests both times. The first time I took it just because I thought it would be good to have that reassurance, but not because I was concerned. The second time I didn't bother.

Original poster

30338168 · 02/10/2008 17:16

Thanks, I can't seem to get anywhere with the notes.
I think I would have opted in for the test as I usually go for everything, being a worrier...
also I hadn';t had one since being with ds's father so would have wanted to know just to be sure. But then again it's possible the midwife just said something like 'lets not bother with this one, unless you particularly want to?' in which case I would have been afraid to say I wanted it done.

I can't think why he doesn't have a result if i did have one.

I might just go and get it done tomorrow but tbh the waiting and worrying is horrendous. I just don't know what I would do, I'd rather go under a bus than take medication for years and be always afraid of dying that way. But I have a son and need to think of him, I know I can't be selfish. Am just in a state about it all

OP posts:

WhyIsItRaining · 02/10/2008 17:17

Poor you - you sound really distraught. try not to worry too much, the chances are you were tested during pregnancy and they would have let you know if there was a problem with the results. Which means you are probably fine. Take a new test just to set your mind at rest but don't worry too much about it.

poppy34 · 02/10/2008 17:19

ah poor you - had this fear before -and yes they routinely test and you would ahve heard should it .. I know I was tested as was mentioned by my v.thorough consultant but don't think it ever got put in my notes - there was just soemthign about all blood tests coing back ok

poppy34 · 02/10/2008 17:20

bit tactless of your GP = not surprised as you were probably damn worried anyway to go and see GP re your health issues without him making you more freaked out

MinkyBorage · 02/10/2008 17:20

I have been routinely tested

Original poster

30338168 · 02/10/2008 17:20

I can't eat, can't do anything. Just terrified.

Sorry, it helps a bit to write it down. Ds's dad isn't in a high risk group, he's not had that many partners, I can't think how I'd have got it really. But I don't want to take the test because I can't face the result iyswim. Pathetic really.

OP posts:

poppy34 · 02/10/2008 17:21

aw sweetie not pathetic at all.. i'll see if I can dig out thread when I was worreid for you

poppy34 · 02/10/2008 17:22

here you go http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=general_health&threadid=328405-stupid-queston-re-hiv-tests#66463 73 link -makes me / to remember this thread as not a great time for me but might have more answers for you fwiw

poppy34 · 02/10/2008 17:23

link

Original poster

30338168 · 02/10/2008 17:24

Thanks he is a bit tactless at the best of times. He spent half the time telling me how I am the most intelligent patient he's ever had and I know more than him about whatever, which was nice, and the rest telling me I was some sort of freak as he'd never seen someone with something like this before and couldn't understand why the treatment wasn't working.

I have no idea what to think. my mother went to see him a few times and she says she thinks he is 'on something'

OP posts:

Original poster

30338168 · 02/10/2008 17:24

Thanks for the link Poppy I will go and read [

OP posts:

crokky · 02/10/2008 17:27

It's totally routine - offered to all pg women so please don't worry. It's very likely you were tested during your pg 2 years ago.

mosschops30 · 02/10/2008 17:28

totally reasonable to be worried and not pathetic at all.
This test is the reason I found MN . I was so paranoid about having it (the ghost of shags past kept coming back to haunt me and all those times when I hadnt been careful as a young, carefree single woman).

Get the test done again, or you will keep on worrying. You will be fine, someone will come on and tell you the risks are minimal as they did to me we'll all be here to hand-hold when you phone for the results

poppy34 · 02/10/2008 17:28

and I think you may have fixed on to this as you're so very worried and if can't eat/sleep will be thinking the worst (and as you can see from my thread I'm in no position to preach as have been there )

poppy34 · 02/10/2008 17:29

absolutely -big virtual hug.. and have you tried chocolate - if you can't eat anything else that can help ..even just a litte bit ?

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