Mother-to-Child Transmission: What You Need to Know

If you’re expecting or know someone who is, the phrase “mother‑to‑child transmission” can sound scary. It simply means a disease moving from a pregnant person to their baby before birth, during delivery, or while breastfeeding. The good news? Most of these infections can be stopped with the right care and medicines.

In South Africa and many African countries, HIV is the most talked‑about example because it used to be a leading cause of infant infection. But other illnesses like hepatitis B, syphilis, and even COVID‑19 can also cross that line. Understanding how each one spreads helps you know what steps to take.

How the transmission happens

There are three main windows when a mother can pass an infection to her child:

• During pregnancy: Some germs travel through the placenta and reach the baby’s bloodstream. HIV, hepatitis B, and certain parasites do this.
• At birth: The biggest risk is exposure to blood or secretions as the baby moves through the birth canal. This is why skilled delivery care matters.
• Through breastfeeding: A few viruses can be present in breast milk. With HIV, exclusive breastfeeding plus treatment keeps the risk very low.

If you get tested early and start treatment right away, you cut the chances of passing the infection dramatically. For example, pregnant people living with HIV who take antiretroviral therapy (ART) have less than a 1% chance of transmitting the virus to their baby.

Ways to stop it

The simplest way to protect a newborn is to start with good prenatal care. Here’s a quick checklist you can share with anyone who’s pregnant:

1. Get tested early. Blood tests for HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis and other infections are usually free at public clinics.
2. Follow the treatment plan. If a test is positive, doctors will prescribe medicines that are safe for both mother and baby. Never skip doses – consistency matters more than anything else.
3. Talk about delivery options. In some cases, a planned C‑section reduces transmission risk, especially when viral load isn’t fully suppressed.
4. Consider infant prophylaxis. Babies may receive medicines right after birth to protect them while their own immune systems get stronger.
5. Breastfeed wisely. For HIV‑positive mothers on effective ART, exclusive breastfeeding for six months is recommended. If you’re dealing with hepatitis B and the baby gets vaccinated within 12 hours, the risk drops sharply.

Vaccines are another powerful tool. The hepatitis B vaccine given at birth and the later doses in infancy stop most babies from catching that virus, even if the mother is infected.

Finally, keep up with regular check‑ups after delivery. A baby’s health isn’t a one‑time thing – doctors will test the child to make sure no infection slipped through and will guide any extra care needed.

Bottom line: Mother‑to‑child transmission is preventable when you combine early testing, proper medication, and solid follow‑up. If you or someone you know is pregnant, don’t wait for a symptom – head to the nearest health centre, get screened, and ask the nurse about the best steps for a healthy baby.