Dear Counsellor:

I'm feeling really terrible as I write to you. I found out last week that I'm HIV positive and to make matters worse, I also am pregnant. I must tell you the truth, I smoke and drink and since I found out that I'm pregnant, I am drinking and smoking harder. My baby's father said he thinks I should quit smoking and drinking. Do I really have to quit smoking and drinking?

Confused Mother

Dear Confused Mother:

AIDS Affairs is so sorry to hear that you are feeling terribly and that you have all these challenges to deal with. Your baby's father is right, you should quit smoking and drinking. It is extremely important to stop using alcohol and drugs during pregnancy. This is no joke. Smoking during pregnancy can have a negative effect on the growth and development of the baby.

Drinking alcohol can damage your liver and cause serious mental and physical birth defects to the foetus. The use of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine/crack and heroin all affect the foetus and can have disastrous effects on the baby, causing low birth weight and even death.

For the HIV-infected person, drinking alcohol and smoking can help to further weaken an already compromised immune system, causing the infected person to develop AIDS, the end stage of the HIV infection, faster. Alcohol also impairs the judgement, causing you to make decisions and do things you may not have done if you were not under the influence of alcohol.

AIDS Affairs' suggestion to you is that you see a health care provider or a knowledgeable HIV counsellor as soon as possible, who will help you through this very important and challenging time in your life.

SEX AND PREGNANCY

Dear Counsellor:

I am pregnant. Can I still have sex?

Pregnant

Dear Pregnant:

Yes, it won't hurt the baby. You may find your sex drive going down during the first trimester, and then up in the second trimester. Some people believe sex is good for pregnancy. You have nothing to worry about unless there is bleeding or discomfort. If this happens, tell your health care provider.

Sex can be uncomfortable so you may want to experiment with different positions. For instance, penis/vagina sex may be easier with you on top. You can also try it with him behind you as both of you kneel. If intercourse doesn't feel good, try oral sex or whatever feels good to you. This is definitely a time you will want to be with a partner who is ready to please you. Remember it is still extremely important to practise safer sex. Just because you are pregnant already doesn't mean you can't still get a sexually transmitted infection including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764 or toll free at 1-888-991-4444 or write to AIDS/Affairs, c/o The Star, 7 North Street, Kingston.