LauraW

I've read a lot of opinions on this topic, and I'm still on the fence. I know of a woman who miscarried two days after her pap, and I don't know that it's worth that risk. I've also read that abnormal cells aren't uncommon and that nothing can be done until after the baby is born, anyway.

So...who has and who hasn't? My husband was my first partner and I've never had any problems, so I'm not sure what to do.

Sarahkka

It's standard in my province, as far as I know. It's generally part of the first prenatal exam and while they're in there, they swab for STDs... even if you've been monogamous for a long time.
The idea is that it's just better to know, I guess, even if you're low to no risk.
It's also standard to be titred for varicella, rubella, and HIV.
I cannot believe that a pap would cause a miscarriage - it's not like they're doing much more than gently twirling a swab over the cervix. If stimulus that minor resulted in a miscarriage, maybe there were other factors? I mean, I would think sex would have the same result then. I believe you, but I would not consider a pap a major risk factor.
I guess you could wait if you are really worried, and have it all done when you're in the 2nd tri. I think it just helps the docs establish a baseline for your gyn health, so that they can anticipate problems and have a game plan ready for you.

LauraW

After she told me, I googled it and you'd be surprised at the number of women that have miscarried directly after a pap. Who knows if something else was going on? In her case, she was told everything was fine prior to it. Just want some input.

Sarahkka

Wow. Interesting.
As I said, I have no doubt you're right, it's just so hard to see how it could cause an m/c, unless it was done really roughly, maybe?
You know, if it's going to make you really anxious and you are obviously confident of your own risk level being low to nil, I don't see why it's a huge deal. If you had a high risk history, then it would be a lot more urgent, I would think.
Have you asked your doctor directly about it?
Maybe he/she has more insight on what might make a pap do that and can reassure you or at least give you a better idea of the risk - like is it 1 in 4 women or more like 1 in 40, 000 women, you know? That might help you decide?

LauraW

I probably will, depending on what the dr says. We shall see. It's not that I'm freaking out about it. What will happen will happen. It just made me curious. =)

Carley

I don't pap in pregnancy because I've had a prem baby, and I wanted to be safe. Most doctors don't mind waiting until after baby is born.

Freya

HI there, I've had abnormal cells diagnosed and removed previously. I was due to have my usual pap/smear in July but I have chosen to wait until (if all goes well) after baby arrives. I really, really don't want to messed around with down there as I'm already hyper concerned that the treeatment I have had will lead to a premature labour! BUt this is personal choice only.

Like you say Laura, they can't do anything about an abnormal result whilst you are pregnant, so why worry and have the stress! My midwife has been really supportive and agrees with my decision.

xxx