IDENTIFY EPIDEMIOLOGICAL DATA REGARDING PREGNANT WOMEN WITH HIV AND A WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM, ALONG WITH THE ASSOCIATED LIMITATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, AND PRECAUTIONS NECESSARY TO AVOID THE RISK OF VERTICAL TRANSMISSION

Abstract

Introduction: Living with HIV has changed the emotional and social aspects of pregnant women, impacting maternal and infant health. Although treatment exists, some women forgo prenatal care, hindering diagnosis and contributing to viral replication in their bodies, influencing physical and emotional aspects. Due to societal prejudice, women with HIV often avoid prenatal appointments. When the virus replicates in the body, the immune system is weakened, leading to various factors, including inflammation. It is worth noting that neglecting antiretroviral treatment can increase the viral load, which occurs through childbirth, breastfeeding, blood, and secretions. Therefore, the general objective of this study is to identify the restrictions, limitations, and precautions that pregnant women with human immunodeficiency need to take to avoid the risk of vertical transmission. This study employs a quantitative approach based on data collected from the website of the Amazonas Health Surveillance Foundation (FVS). Epidemiological data regarding pregnant women living with HIV between 2020 and 2025 were gathered using secondary data sources. Bibliographic references include digital platforms such as Google Scholar and SciELO—which host academic and scientific literature—as well as the Amazonas Health Surveillance Foundation (FVS) website. Results: In Amazonas, pregnant women with HIV are concentrated primarily in the 20–29 age group (50%), with an average of 25% per age bracket; reported and new cases ranged from 1,577 to 2,776, with annual averages of 2,054 and 1,986 cases, respectively; vertical transmission averaged 103 cases per year, while the risk is 27.5% without ART and drops to just 1.5% with ART.