Tokophobia and fear of birth: a workshop consensus statement on current issues and recommendations for future research.

Objective: To discuss and develop a statement on the current state of the evidence and opinion in Fear of Childbirth (FoC) and Tokophobia (Tocophobia), and to provide recommendations. Background: A group met in 2019 to discuss the state of clinical and academic knowledge relating to FoC/Tokophobia. Five key areas were agreed as the focus of the meeting. Methods: 12 internationally acknowledged experts, in this or a closely related area (e.g. PTSD) met to discuss their understanding of the evidence for FoC/ Tokophobia and current practice. The consensus described in this paper constitutes the expression of the general opinion of the participants and does not necessarily imply unanimity. Keys points: Work focussed on tokophobia is recent and there remains a wide range of issues, which were addressed in the workshop including complexity in defining prevalence, a theoretical lack of understanding, which creates challenge for robust assessment and the identification of risk factors. An improved aetiological and developmental understanding of the tokophobia is required to underpin appropriate, effective and evidence-based interventions. Evaluation of pathways of care and relevant interventions, should be a focus of future research. Conclusion: Significant gaps remain within the FoC/tokophobia knowledge base. Further research is necessary.

HIV and reproductive care--a review of current practice.

In developed countries, antiretroviral treatment has increased life quality and expectancy of HIV-infected individuals and led to a drop in mother-to-child transmission (MCT) risk to below 1%. Fertility has been shown to be reduced in both men and women with HIV. As a result of these factors, the demand for reproductive care in this population is rising. In discordant couples where the man is positive, sperm washing significantly reduces viral transmission risk to the uninfected female partner over unprotected intercourse. Positive women do not necessarily need specialised fertility treatment but should be monitored closely during pregnancy to minimise MCT risk.

Assessment of welfare of the child in HIV positive couples.

BACKGROUND: Demand for assisted conception amongst HIV-infected couples is rising in parallel with increased efficacy of antiretroviral medication which has improved life expectancy and reduced vertical transmission risk. There are no published data on welfare of the child assessment in HIV positive couples undergoing assisted conception. METHODS: We assessed welfare of the child in 131 (i.e. total number seen, not treated) couples, where one or both partners were infected with HIV and referred to the infertility clinic at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital since 1999. In total, 59 couples received sperm washing treatment (male partner infected) resulting in 17 healthy babies, and 14 couples were treated in the female positive programme (5 concordant and 9 discordant for HIV) resulting in three healthy babies. RESULTS: Issues surrounding welfare of the child were commonly encountered in this series and were significant enough to withhold treatment in five cases. Many were relationship issues surrounding acquisition of infection, fear of infection in the negative partner or child (n = 1), poor prognosis (multiple drug resistance) (n=3) or disability related to infection (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Welfare of the child in HIV infected couples must be carefully considered in specialist centres with experienced counsellors. Issues surrounding treatment are complex and require close liaison with HIV specialists and involvement of the couple.