Women with no prenatal care and unknown HIV status should be offered testing when admitted to hospital for labour and delivery. Women at high risk for HIV and with unknown status should be offered HIV prophylaxis in labour, and HIV prophylaxis should be given to the infant post-partum.

Saskatchewan Perinatal HIV Prevention Protocols

The Saskatchewan Perinatal HIV Prevention Protocols were developed to assist with appropriate management of pregnant women presenting in labour and whose HIV status:

  • is positive;
  • is unknown; or
  • was negative but HIV risk occurred since last HIV test.

Please refer to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) clinical practice guidelines while the Saskatchewan Perinatal HIV Prevention Protocols are under review. The SOCG clinical practice guidelines, Guidelines for the Care of Pregnant Women Living With HIV and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal Transmission: Executive Summary, can be found here.

  • Overview of Maternal/Newborn Assessment and Care
    * Currently under review
  • Maternal/Newborn Care Pathways
    * Currently under review
    • Prenatally, woman known to be HIV-positive
    • HIV status unknown or at risk and STAT HIV or Point of Care Test is AVAILABLE
    • HIV status unknown or at risk and STAT HIV or Point of Care Test is NOT AVAILABLE
  • Physician Pre-Printed Orders
    * Currently under review

    The pre-printed order templates address each of the clinical scenarios outlined in the Maternal/Newborn Care Pathways and include specific interventions for intrapartum management, postpartum care, infant feeding, discharge planning, and referral.

    • Physician Pre-Printed Orders: Maternal
    • Physician Pre-Printed Orders: Infant
  • Discharge Instructions for Infant
    * Currently under review

    The discharge instructions include important information regarding medication administration and medical appointments for the baby. The information should be discussed and provided to the mother/caregiver prior to discharge from hospital.

  • Important Phone Numbers for Healthcare Providers
    A list of phone numbers for healthcare providers to obtain clinical advice and support from specialists in the province on the Saskatchewan Perinatal HIV Prevention Protocols.
Mother/Caregiver-Specific Resources
  • Saskatchewan Infant Formula Program
    Breastfeeding is not recommended for infants born to mothers living with HIV because of the risk of vertical transmission. In Saskatchewan, free infant formula is available to infants born to mothers living with HIV from birth to one year of age. For more information about the program, including contact information and referral procedures, click here.
  • Important Phone Numbers for Parents/Caregivers
    A list of important phone numbers for parents/caregivers to obtain information from clinical specialists and services from local programs in Saskatchewan related to perinatal HIV prevention and care.
  • Information Sheet: FAQs about HIV, Pregnancy, & Babies
    * Currently under review

    An information sheet for parents/caregivers that provides answers to frequently asked questions about HIV as it relates to pregnancy and babies.

For More Information About Local Supports & Services

Contact your local HIV Strategy Coordinator.

Their contact information can be found here.

Additional Resources for Healthcare Providers