What is one method to help prevent HIV transmission during childbirth?

Zidovudine therapy is an effective method to help prevent HIV transmission from an HIV-positive mother to her child during childbirth. This antiviral medication, also known as AZT, is used to lower the viral load of the virus in the mother, significantly reducing the likelihood of the baby being infected during delivery. When administered during pregnancy, labor, and to the newborn after birth, Zidovudine has been shown to dramatically decrease the risk of perinatal transmission of HIV.

While other options may play a role in the overall management of maternal health and HIV, they do not specifically target the prevention of transmission during childbirth as directly as Zidovudine therapy does. Cesarean delivery can be a method for reducing transmission risk, especially if the mother has a high viral load, but it is not always the first-line recommendation or necessary in every case. Regular prenatal visits are crucial for monitoring and managing health during pregnancy, and while they are essential for the mother and baby's health, they do not directly prevent HIV transmission at the time of childbirth. Vaccination does not apply in this context, as there is currently no vaccine available to prevent HIV. Thus, Zidovudine therapy stands out as a targeted intervention specifically aimed at preventing HIV transmission during