Psychological aspects of pregnancy and motherhood in the context of the HIV/aids infection

Abstract

The HIV/aids epidemic has increasingly been reaching women in reproductive age, many of which are already mothers or become mothers when they discover the infection. Revised studies indicate that living with HIV/aids infection can change in many ways the experience of pregnancy and motherhood, generating a psychological burden related to stigma and to transmission risk for children. In spite of that, studies suggest that a lot of women who live with HIV/aids try to keep a positive maternal identity for their children and worry intensely about their future. Few Brazilian studies on psychological aspects of motherhood in this context were found, especially on the impact of procedures of vertical transmission prevention on the experience of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Difficulties in adhering to treatment for HIV/aids and to safe sexual practices show the lack of attention to these mothers' specific demands, and also that health policies are focused mainly on the child.