What is the risk of pregnant HIV mothers transmitting the infection to their babies before or during birth?

The risk of a pregnant mother living with HIV transmitting the virus to her baby during pregnancy, labor, or delivery is approximately 2 out of 100 births, especially if no interventions are taken. This low transmission rate reflects the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other prenatal care measures that significantly reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

When a mother receives proper treatment, such as antiretroviral medication, and adheres to medical guidance, the viral load can become undetectable, which essentially eliminates the chance of transmission during the perinatal period. However, if these measures are not in place, the transmission risk can increase. The statistic indicating a 2% risk highlights the importance of early diagnosis, consistent care throughout pregnancy, and appropriate treatment strategies to protect the health of both the mother and child.

The other options represent higher percentages than what is typically observed when effective preventive strategies are employed, which is why they do not reflect the accurate risk in the context of managed care.