ABSTRACT
Heterosexual transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to women, in the UK., continues to increase. 38% of cumulative reported HIV cases in women to April 1987 were as a result of heterosexual contact. By April 1994, this figure had risen to 62% (CDSR 1986, 1994). Amongst antenatal clinic attenders in London, the overall seroprevalence rate in 1992, as determined by unlinked anonymous screening of maternal blood, was 0.24% (range 0.05% to 0. 54%) (CDSR, 1993). In the Riverside Health District in Central London, the seroprevalence rate was 0.16% in 1992 and 0.24% in 1993. HIV, therefore is becoming of increasing concern in the antenatal clinic. Current opinion considers it desirable for a woman to be aware of a positive serostatus so that she may make an informed decision about her pregnancy, and receive care and support for herself and her child (Holman, 1992; Sperling & Stratton, 1992).
