In-patient maternity care for the HIV-positive woman and her newborn.

This article reviews the nurse's role in caring for HIV-infected women and their at-risk newborns during the intrapartum and postpartum period. Emphasis is placed on specific nursing interventions required during labor and delivery and the immediate neonatal period. A review of HIV-related illnesses and essential components of therapy, particularly during pregnancy, is presented. The importance of psychosocial support, the multidisciplinary team approach, universal precautions, discharge planning, and patient education is stressed.