Transmission of HIV from mother to child can occur through the womb (in utero) during the perinatal period, ie the last weeks of pregnancy and during labor. If not treated, the rate of transmission from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth is 25%. However, if the mother had access to antiretroviral therapy and gave birth by cesarean, the rate of transmission is only 1%. A number of factors may influence the risk of infection, especially viral load in the mother during delivery (the higher the viral load, the higher risk). Breastfeeding increases the risk of transmission of 4%.
