Infection can occur from HIV positive pregnant women to their babies in the womb and during birth. Taking anti-HIV drugs during pregnancy and childbirth can dramatically lower the risk.
After birth, transmission can occur through breast milk of infected women. The highest risk may be in the early months after birth. New mothers should try to bottle-feed their babies rather than breast-feed.
If you are an HIV-positive woman and intend to become pregnant, or you find out that you are HIV positive during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce the chances that your baby will become infected, too.