The worldwide use of constant intrapartum ZDV infusions to prevent transmission is not practical or feasible. Approximately 18% of the women in the ACTG 076 trial missed their IV ZDV infusions, even at experienced ACTG sites. There is an urgent need to establish a more practical method of delivering ZDV during labor and delivery that, at minimum, will approximate the rate of ZDV administration utilized in ACTG 082. In the future, this would enable women to start an intensive ZDV regimen during early labor, even prior to reaching the hospital.