Rubella (German measles) can seriously harm your baby if you catch it during the first four months of pregnancy. Most children are immunised against rubella but if you think you are pregnant and have rubella, or have been in contact with someone who has German measles, tell your doctor at once.
HIV
If you know you are HIV positive, you can take action to minimise the risk of passing HIV to your baby. This includes:
 taking antiretroviral drugs after the first three to four months of pregnancy
taking antiretroviral drugs during labour
choosing a caesarean section
giving the baby a short course of antiretroviral therapy after birth
not breastfeeding
With all interventions, the rate of transmission from mother to child can be as low as two per cent. With no interventions, it can be between 25 to 40 per cent.
If you think you may have HIV, the best step is to get tested. HIV tests are available free of charge on a confidential basis from genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinics. There are many organisations offering advice and help in this situation. Support ranges from offering education, training and volunteering opportunities to people living with HIV to advice, support and information on employment and personal development.
National AIDS helpline: 08000 567 123
Terrence Higgins Trust: 0207 242 1010 - the Terence Higgins Trust helps support people in the UK who are living with AIDS
Positively Women: 0207 713 0222 - a national charity which provids support for women living with HIV by women living with HIV
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