Dear Counsellor:

Thank you for the wonderful work you have been doing. I read your column every week and find the information very useful. I'm pregnant. Though, to the best of my knowledge, my partner and I have been faithful, I got really scared when I was asked to do the HIV test. What should I do?

Scared Mother

Dear Scared Mother:

Thank you for your letter and for sharing your fears. I'm happy that you find the information in this column useful. It is normal to feel scared when you are asked to do the HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) test.

Fortunately, when we admit our fears, active measures to win back good feelings can be started. If you and your partner have been faithful to each other, there is no need to worry.

On the other hand, all pregnant mothers and their partner should be encouraged to do the HIV test.

The Ministry of Health has a comprehensive programme in place to treat pregnant mothers who are HIV-infected. Also, treatment is administered to their babies at birth so mother-to-child transmission can be prevented. There is indeed a big gain to do the test while you are pregnant, however, before you get tested, you should be counselled. A counsellor would help you and your partner to clear up some of the fears and scares you may have.