Expected Mother who is extremely worried

Hello,

My general practicioner recommended this website as she isn't very informed about HIV/AIDS and said this would be the website to go to.  Thank you for having this site as I am extremely worried.

I am currently an expecting mother, about to reach my 8 month point, and the other day, I was taking a shower in the showers at the fitness club I use for pilates.  I was very silly and did not use shower sandals, which I normally do.  As I was in the shower, I noticed a dab of blood (not very large at all) on the tiles which did not come from me, and of course some of this blood came in contact with my feet.  I do not believe the blood was fully dry.  My feet has a few very tiny cuts on it.  The cuts aren't very large or anything, just a few parts where the skin has been teared.  I am EXTREMELY worried about a possible HIV exposure and about the well being of myself, and my child.
1.  Do I have an HIV risk Doctor from this?
2.  Do I need testing?
3.  Has anyone gotten HIV from this sort of exposure?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

It's nice to hear your GP knows about this site and recommended it.  Please thank her for me.

To your last question first:  My guess is that over the 25 years of the recognized worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic, not one person ever was infected by HIV in the way you describe.  There is no risk.

Almost all experts recommend that every pregnant woman be HIV tested, to protect babies in the event the mother had an HIV risk she didn't know about.  This is a formal recommendation by the CDC for all pregnant women in the US.  For that reason, you should have an HIV test--but this has nothing to do with your failure to use sandals in the shower.  (That step might protect against athlete's foot, but nothing else, to my knowledge.)

So relax.  Have the routine HIV test, but you can be confident in a negative result if you and your sex partner(s) are not at risk.

HHH, MD

[nervous_nikki]

Hi...I am so sorry that this is causing you anxiety during your pregnancy. I know how freaked out you must feel, but the first reassuring thing is that it has been stated on this forum many times that no one has ever contracted HIV via environmental exposure.  Luckily, the skin on the sole of the foot is pretty thick preventing the entrance of microorganisms which is also reassuring.
I'm sure at the beach or pool, millions of people everyday all around the world, walk barefoot and probably from time to time step on blood or some other substance from another person. Little kids are notorious for running around barefoot with all kids of gashes on their feet and yet HIV isn't seen in small children from those types of casual exposures. I'm sure all is well, I cannot see any considerable risk, but luckily you found this website and you are now in good hands. Dr. H is a great doctor and he'll be honest with you.  I don't think you need an HIV doctor or testing but those are better questions for DR. H. If your still worried, browse the archives. They can be very helpful.

Good luck with the duration of your pregnancy and I wish you a fast and healthy delivery : )