BACKGROUND:
The global Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic continues to affect millions, with women of reproductive age disproportionately impacted. South Africa has the highest antenatal HIV prevalence rates globally. HIV testing is now a compulsory component of the antenatal care (ANC), routine for every pregnant woman. A significant number of women discover their HIV-positive diagnosis during ANC, a moment often characterised by psychological vulnerability impacting their mental health. Despite successfully implemented policies on Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTC) programme, provision of lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all pregnant women living with HIV, the psychosocial support systems needed to assist women in the critical early period following a diagnosis remain insufficiently addressed. Furthermore, a diagnosis during pregnancy may disrupt maternal experience, alter health-seeking behaviours, affect ART adherence, and negatively impact on the woman’s ability to disclose their status and caring for the unborn baby. The study aims to assess the impact of discovering pregnancy and being HIV positive during ANC

METHODS:
A qualitative, exploratory study design was employed. Eighteen HIV-positive pregnant women diagnosed during antenatal care were purposively selected. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide tool. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data.

RESULTS:
The findings of this study reflected that HIV had various psychological and social consequences. Participants reported a range of emotional responses, including shock, fear, depression and suicidal thoughts following HIV positive diagnosis. Participants expressed a need for non-judgmental counselling and comprehensive mental health services. The results raise several public health concerns that have key implications for interventions that aim to reduce the psychosocial challenges experienced by these women.

CONCLUSIONS:
Integrating psychosocial support into antenatal care is crucial for managing the impact of discovering being pregnant and HIV positive duting ANC. Culturally sensitive interventions and improved healthcare provider training are recommended.