ABSTRACT
Perinatal transmission is affected by several factors. Although the greatest risk of transmission occurs in the last trimester and at birth, strategies to reduce it should start at the beginning of pregnancy, continue until delivery and into the neonatal period. Keeping viral load as low as possible and CD4 cells count greater than 350 cells/mm3 (if possible >500) should be pursued. To reach these aims, it is important to ensure patient adherence to the provided recommendations including adoption of a healthy lifestyle (adequate nutrition, no smoking, condom use), judicious use of highly active antiretroviral therapy and laboratory tests and sonograms periodically.
