What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore the experiences of women living with HIV during pregnancy and motherhood.

April 4, 2026Open Access

Conception to child-rearing in the early treatment era (CONCRETE): a qualitative study of the experiences of women living with HIV during pregnancy and motherhood

Key Points

This research aims to explore the experiences of women living with HIV during pregnancy and motherhood.
Conducted qualitative interviews with women who delivered during the early ART era.
Analyzed narratives to identify common themes and barriers faced by participants.
Examined societal attitudes towards HIV-status sharing and its impact on women's experiences.
Participants reported significant feelings of loss related to early ART interventions.
Societal attitudes were identified as major barriers to sharing HIV status.
Women expressed a need for holistic support systems throughout motherhood beyond childbirth.

Abstract

Societal attitudes were a major barrier to HIV-status sharing. Although current ART guidelines have evolved, women who delivered in the early ART era expressed long-lasting feelings of loss associated with past interventions. Their narratives highlight gaps between clinical progress and lived experience and underscore the need for holistic, long-term support for women with HIV and recognition that HIV can shape motherhood well beyond childbirth.

Conception to child-rearing in the early treatment era (CONCRETE): a qualitative study of the experiences of women living with HIV during pregnancy and motherhood

Key Points

Abstract

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