Update on the HIV Test Discussion, If You're Interested

littlemonstermama · December 2013

A few weeks ago there was a discussion about whether or not to get the HIV test. Some women didn't get it, some women were annoyed by this, some women didn't understand what the big deal was. What really caught my eye was the idea that medical staff might need to wear Haz-Mat suits during delivery if the mother hadn't had one, so I asked my OB since I opted out of the test this time around.

Her response was that it really doesn't matter if you opt out of the test (at least in Indiana) because all that will happen is that they'll test the baby for HIV as soon as it's born. She said she personally will just give me the test anyway shortly before I deliver because she doesn't like giving blood tests to newborns if she doesn't have to.

I know all states are different, but I thought it was interesting nonetheless. Especially since I opted out of the test to keep healthcare costs down, but I'll end up getting it anyway.

MrsCase1 · December 2013

I was just thinking about that post. I got my bill for my first appt blood work. No HIV test. I didn't opt in or out, it was never offered to me.

atsky · December 2013

I am in New Jersey and at my first appt they told me it's state mandatory to test for HIV. For my first child, I had her in New York City and I don't remember if I had to or not since it was years ago.

tbmadeamistake · December 2013

This is baby two, C was born in 2012. Because I'm in a monogamous relationship and tested negative last time, I was told I don't need it this time. I would get it if they thought I should, because I wasn't always completely safe before DH (and I don't honestly know all of his history), and it can lie dormant for years before showing up. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

babyt614 · December 2013

I live in AZ and the hospital policy here is they test everyone before L&D, there's no opt in etc. I have only had one partner, same with my husband, and it was each other after we were married, but they do the HIV/STD tests anyway b/c too many people lie about their sexual partners, even to their doctors.

ncbelle · December 2013

Hmm..to me it's no biggie (although my insurance covers it). I mean, I fully trust DH and know that none of us has been up to any hanky panky, but I have no doubt that there's some poor pregnant mama out there who finds out the hard way that her partner hasn't been faithful. Sadly, you never know for sure - and given that it's a pretty big deal for baby - I can see why it's standard protocol.

abrazz · December 2013

With DD they ran a complete panel of everything known to man. Luckily I had great insurance then. Here they did a pap smear, a Rubella titer and tested for Hepatitis B and C. They also type and screened me, which they'll do again when I go for delivery. I don't know how they decide what they check for with the blood work. I wonder if it is partially the physician's preference.

Mrs_D_in_KY · December 2013

With my son and this LO they took 5 vials of blood and tested me for everything possible. They did ask if I wanted to be tested for HIV/aids this time, I said sure why not.

TheMrs820 · December 2013

At my first appt they took about a thousand vials of blood (really like 9)! I am not sure if one was for HIV or not, they never asked me.

ElTrain5 · December 2013

Most things that are "mandatory" you can still opt out of. Like erythromiacin gel in the eyes.

KristaU831 · December 2013

that was me that was told if i opted out of the HIV test that hazmat suits would be worn, it was in WA state, honestly no idea how true it is but at 21 i believed it and consented. the nurse's reasoning made sense (childbirth=blood etc) at the time.

atsky · December 2013

TheMrs820 said:
At my first appt they took about a thousand vials of blood (really like 9)! I am not sure if one was for HIV or not, they never asked me.

It does feel like a thousand, right? I got my blood drawn last week and they needed 10 vials! I still have bruises from the failed attempts at finding my veins.

anordstrWed114947 · December 2013

I think testing is a good idea regardless. You can get HIV from other things then sex too. As a nurse I know all the crazy things that have happened. Not likely but can happen.

I guess better safe then sorry. There is something's they can do if you are positive to help save baby from contracting it too.

biglewzer · December 2013

anordstrWed114947 said:
I think testing is a good idea regardless. You can get HIV from other things then sex too. As a nurse I know all the crazy things that have happened. Not likely but can happen.

I guess better safe then sorry. There is something's they can do if you are positive to help save baby from contracting it too.

I saw that Sally Jesse Raphael episode where the lady got HIV from her dentist. I'm picking up what you're putting down.

Luna C · December 2013

I mean, I fully trust DH and know that none of us has been up to any hanky panky, but I have no doubt that there's some poor pregnant mama out there who finds out the hard way that her partner hasn't been faithful. Sadly, you never know for sure - and given that it's a pretty big deal for baby - I can see why it's standard protocol.

Exactly this. I'm a bit shocked by all the women saying, "Oh, well I KNOW that my husband hasn't slept with anyone else." Probably he hasn't but you can't KNOW that. You assume that. The average man (or woman) who cheats doesn't usually announce it at the breakfast table the next day. "By the way Sweetie, hooked up with my ex last night. Probably going to see her a few more times, but it's not serious and it'll end it by the end of next month. Just an FYI. Pass the sugar, please?"

vixey · December 2013

I'm also from Indiana and my doctor said it's state law to either test me before delivery or test baby after delivery. They made a big deal about how if I opt out, they don't have to ask permission to test baby, they just do it.

I was already getting blood drawn so I figured why not go ahead and do the test.

lscal20 · December 2013

It was no biggie to me being tested, I really don't care. Everything maternity is covered 100% under my insurance, so the cost was never a problem for me either. I would also rather they stick me than my LO.

I had an exploratory surgery a year and a half ago for endometriosis and they tested me for HIV then, too.

liberty95 · December 2013

KristaU831 said:
that was me that was told if i opted out of the HIV test that hazmat suits would be worn, it was in WA state, honestly no idea how true it is but at 21 i believed it and consented. the nurse's reasoning made sense (childbirth=blood etc) at the time.

Not entirely true. All healthcare providers should utilize Universal Precautions to avoid coming into contact with blood and body fluids from patients. Personal protective equipment. Including gloves, gowns,masks, eye shields, etc...

Regardless of the results of any of our blood tests, whichever health care provider who will be present at your labor will want to wear adequate protective equipment to guard against exposure.

littlemonstermama · December 2013

Let me clarify a bit. Since this is my second child, at my first appointment the nurse practitioner said I don't have to have it done since I did it with my first kid. She didn't clarify or add any other information.

I knew my insurance would pay for it, but I also know that that money comes from somewhere, which is what I meant by "keep the cost of healthcare down." If the nurse practitioner had said that the office policy was to test me anyway or test the baby later, I would have just consented in the beginning.

I also think it's kinda' funny that different states have such different policies in place about it.

Edited for typo that totally changed my intent.

ktwils2010 · December 2013

In NC it's also state mandated. You have to sign consent, but as the nurse explained to receive care you have to be tested. So your consent is just saying yes to something you have to have done anyway. Also agree that it's not a big deal, just a blood test. They already do so many labs in the beginning, what's the issue with adding one more? IMO

Want a personalized experience?

Update on the HIV Test Discussion, If You're Interested

Re: Update on the HIV Test Discussion, If You're Interested

Married DH 7/30/11

CSC arrived 5/7/12

CHC arrived 6/2/14

Choose Another Board

Search Boards