What Should HIV-Infected Women After Giving Birth Be Aware Of?
– Dr. DAO XUAN DUNG (Specialist Level II, Obstetrics and Gynecology): Among mothers infected with HIV, there is an observed increase in the rates of sepsis after childbirth, extensive genital warts, and fever related to tuberculosis or other unclear causes.
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(Photo: TTO) |
The postpartum period is perhaps one of the most vulnerable times for women who have weakened immune systems.
Unusual infections may also occur, such as peritonitis following a routine surgery like tubal ligation after childbirth or pelvic osteomyelitis after natural labor.
Urinary retention may also occur due to nerve damage related to HIV.
Clinically, it may be difficult to distinguish between postpartum psychosis, cerebral malaria, and neurological complications related to HIV.
The treatment of complications and infections in HIV-positive patients requires stronger antibiotics compared to other patients.
A general principle to remember is that blood transfusions and the administration of blood products always carry a real risk of transmitting HIV. Therefore, blood transfusions should only be reserved for life-threatening complications and should not be arbitrarily prescribed, such as in cases of moderate anemia during the postpartum period.
In the first weeks after childbirth, when a woman is still experiencing lochia mixed with blood and the wounds in the vulva and vagina are not yet healed, having sexual relations with an HIV-positive husband increases the risk of HIV transmission (if the woman was not previously infected). Similarly, a woman with HIV after giving birth can easily transmit HIV to a man.
Women infected with HIV/AIDS may face numerous psychological issues. They may fear being scorned by the community, disgusted by others, criticized by family members, or abandoned by caregivers.
The uncertainty of whether their newborn will be healthy constantly haunts the mother, and feelings of guilt may arise from the belief that she has transmitted the disease to her child.
If these feelings become overwhelming, they may manifest as signs of a mental disorder that is difficult to distinguish from postpartum psychosis or neurological complications due to HIV infection.
