BACKGROUND The risk of mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV increases in pregnant women diagnosed late in pregnancy. Some experts suggest that the use of raltegravir (RAL), as part of the antiretroviral treatment in these pregnant women, could reduce the risk of MTCT, since RAL can quickly decrease the viral load. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the available scientific information on the efficacy and safety of RAL, during the third trimester of pregnancy, in reducing MTCT of HIV. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the literature. The following databases were consulted: MEDLINE, Tripdatabase, Cochrane, Lilacs and Web of Science. We included systematic reviews, clinical trials, observational studies or case reports. The search was not filtered by language. RESULTS Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Selected studies were case reports or case series. We included, in total, 44 pregnancies (with 45 live births). A case of TMI of HIV was reported. Eight studies reported adverse events, of which four cases can be attributed to the use of RAL. CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence on the efficacy and safety of RAL to decrease the risk of MTCT in HIV pregnant women who present in the last trimester of pregnancy.