All women are offered a blood test at their first antenatal appointment, called the booking appointment. With your permission one of the things that your blood is tested for is HIV. It’s your choice whether to have this test but it is a good idea to have the test as a plan will be put in place to stop HIV passing to your baby if you do have it.
You can also have another test later in pregnancy if there’s a chance you were exposed to the virus after the first test. Tell the midwife if this happens and you will be offered another test in the last three months of pregnancy.
If you take antiretroviral medication, don’t stop taking it until you have spoken to your midwife or HIV team. They may advise you to change to a medicine that is safer for your baby. If you don’t already take medication, your doctor may advise you to start taking it during pregnancy to help protect you and your baby.