Answer - D - HIV is transmitted by direct contact with contaminated bodily fluids, including vaginal secretions, blood, IV substance abuse, and breast milk. Changing diapers does not transmit the virus.
There are several ways a mother can transmit HIV to a neonate or newborn baby.
- Vertical transmission during childbirth: HIV can be transmitted from a mother to a neonate if the mother is HIV-positive and the neonate is exposed to the mother's blood or genital secretions during delivery.
- Breastfeeding: HIV can also be transmitted from a mother to a neonate through breastfeeding if the mother is HIV-positive and the neonate consumes breast milk that contains the virus.
- Pregnancy, labor, and delivery: HIV can be transmitted from a mother to a neonate during pregnancy, labor, and delivery if the mother is HIV-positive and the neonate is exposed to the mother's blood or genital secretions.
- To prevent mother-to-neonate transmission of HIV, pregnant women who are HIV-positive should receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, HIV-positive mothers should not breastfeed their neonates.
