Each year, more than 400,000 babies throughout the world become infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through transmission of the virus from their mother, according to health officials at the March of Dimes. Initially, HIV symptoms in babies can be difficult to identify. If a parent or caregiver notices the development of HIV symptoms in her baby, she should seek medical care for the infant immediately.
No Initial Symptoms
During the first two to three months of life, a baby infected with HIV may not exhibit any noticeable signs or symptoms, reports KidsHealth, a children's health information website established by the Nemours Foundation. Early detection of HIV in an infected mother can help doctors identify ways to reduce the risk of spreading this infection to a newborn baby. Women who are sexually active should get regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases to ensure receipt of appropriate care and treatment during pregnancy and after delivery.
Poor Growth and Development
The primary symptom associated with HIV in babies is poor growth. Babies with this infection can experience difficulty gaining weight and growing normally when compared to healthy babies of the same age, says The Body, a comprehensive HIV/AIDS online resource. As babies with this infection get older, delays in meeting traditional developmental milestones--such as crawling, speaking or walking--can also occur. Approximately 15 percent of HIV-infected babies who don't receive treatment die during the first 12 months of life, reports the March of Dimes. Babies who exhibit any unusual growth delays should get additional treatment from a medical provider as soon as possible.
Recurrent Infections
Infection with HIV progressively degrades a baby's immune system, making the infant more susceptible to infections. As a result, babies with HIV can develop recurrent infections as a symptom of this disease. These infections can include pneumonia, oral thrush, tonsillitis or ear infections, report health officials with KidsHealth and MayoClinic.com. Babies with HIV can't effectively fight off infectious pathogens that enter the body and often develop severe forms of these infections. If a baby exhibits any signs of infection, such as fever, pale skin or unusual fatigue, a parent or caregiver should contact a pediatrician for additional care and treatment.
