What is the rationale for screening women for HIV during pregnancy?

The rationale for screening women for HIV during pregnancy primarily focuses on the prevention of in utero transmission of the virus to the fetus. By detecting HIV early in pregnancy, healthcare providers can implement interventions that reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission, which can occur during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breastfeeding.

When a pregnant woman is diagnosed with HIV, treatment options, including antiretroviral therapy, can be initiated promptly. These treatments not only help manage the health of the mother but also significantly reduce the viral load, which decreases the likelihood of transmission to the baby.

In contrast, the other choices highlight different aspects of health care but do not address the specific objective of HIV screening during pregnancy. Assessing general health and identifying other STIs are important, yet they do not encapsulate the critical urgency and focus of preventing HIV transmission to the unborn child. While counseling options are beneficial, the primary goal of screening in this context remains the prevention of in utero transmission to safeguard both maternal and neonatal health.