Know Your Health Status

A healthy you is key to a healthy pregnancy. Before you get pregnant, be sure to have a physical exam to evaluate your overall health. Learn your medical history. This is particularly true if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or other chronic diseases. Your visit to the doctor can also help you establish a healthy eating and exercise plan, give you information on local resources that may help you, and uncover if you have untreated infections or sexually-transmitted diseases that could harm you or your baby.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes and HIV/AIDS can be passed from a woman to her unborn baby. STIs may result in infant death, premature birth and long-term problems.

Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs)

Reproductive tract infections such as bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections are common for some women. Although bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection, if it’s left untreated it can cause more serious infections. In a pregnant woman, it can lead to preterm delivery, and the baby may be born too early to be healthy.

Urinary tract infections are often painful and affect the bladder. In a pregnant woman, a urinary tract infection may lead to miscarriage or preterm delivery.

HIV and AIDS

What is the Difference?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that damages the immune system. The immune system helps the body fight infection and disease. When the immune system is damaged, it becomes weaker and weaker. At some point, HIV can turn into AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

When people develop AIDS, they often get other diseases and infections that are harder to cure. People with HIV can stay healthy for a very long time if they get medical care in the early stages.

Questions Women Should Ask Their Partners

  • Do you always use condoms when you have sex?
  • Have you had any other sexual partners?
  • Have you ever used or shared needles for shooting (injecting) drugs, steroids or getting tattoos?
  • Have you ever been tested for HIV? Are you HIV positive?

You can’t look at someone and tell if they have HIV. Many people with HIV look very healthy and might not know that they have HIV. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested for HIV. It is time for you to take control. Talk to your partner! Ask questions and get answers.

HIV Testing Locations

Many places offer HIV testing. Locations include local health departments, clinics, your private doctors’ office, hospitals, some community based agencies and other sites set up specifically to provide HIV testing.

To find a HIV testing site in North Carolina, go to your local health department. Or use the Testing Locator below.

Find HIV/AIDS Prevention & Service Providers

Enter your address, city and state, or ZIP Code:

For more information on this widget, please visit AIDS.gov.

Resources

Other Health Issues

North Carolina

  • North Carolina Sickle Cell Program - For more information, call 1-866-627-2355
  • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Chapters and Care Centers in North Carolina- for locations in your area

National

HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections

North Carolina

National

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
TTY: 1-888-232-6348

Webisodes - HIV and AIDS Awareness