leeanne

As much as a pap smear is not fun, it is necessary. Actually, I will be getting mine done today. About 7 years ago I had precancerous cells on my cervix and I am glad that they caught it at that time. I may not have had two beautiful children and this baby on the way.

As for the bloodwork, which I had done yesterday, I think it's important that one knows they don't have a sexually transmitted disease, or hepatitus or HIV. I have been with my hubby for almost 10 years but one never knows. I've heard of cases where a husband has been unfaithful and gave an STD to his wife and even pregnant wives.

Doesn't it feel better in the end to know that you don't have cervical cancer and/or STDs?

Jules

I don't think its common practice over here in the UK when pregnant to have pap tests/ vaginal scans, i have never been offered one whilst i have been pregnant......

I did however have a pap test on the day i found i was pregant, in the morning and i found out in the afternoon that i was pregnant. The reason i had this was because for the last few years everytime i had a pap test done it came back with abnormal cell readings, so i figured its best to keep having them done, make sure it didn't develop into anything more... from that test though it came back as normal so glad i had done and my mind put to rest.

Its all of course down to what you want but pap tests are nothing to worry about its over and done with within five minutes, and is uncomfortable for about two seconds when they do the scraping thing.

As for having bloods done which includes HIV testing, me and my OH have been together over 5 years and we have always been faithful to each other, but thought it wouldn't harm to have them done

Artifex

-At this point I will be refusing to have anything longer than three inches or wider than 1.5in stuck in there. I have bled before with papsmears and I have never been pregnant or had surgeries of any kind; I am pretty small in there. As for abnormal paps, your chances of having a false one (where the results come up bad when nothing is actually wrong) -are sky high and most the time even if there is something wrong there wont be a damn thing that can be done about it till after the baby is born anyway. (several midwives have stated this I have looked around). -I was however just waiting for someone to say something so I am not shocked at all.
I may change my mind later and will be going to Dr.s regularly and plan to even switch until I am comfortable with that person; perhaps at that point and at that stage I will go ahead and let them do something like that, untill then at least I have regained the tinest shred of sanity that will be needed.
-J.

Jules

I don't think i will get one done again whilst i am pregnant, totally understand you on that account, and like you said they wouldn't be able to treat you probably anyway until after pregnancy. But definately have regular checkups afterwards, better to be safe then sorry x

Artifex

-Oh, and in the US you are treated as a freak for not getting a pap during pregnancy! I am so glad to be getting opinions from other places, I seriously think the US has some pretty crazy ideas about medicine and has lobotomized society to agree with all they say. that of course would be another topic. . .

Madwolf3

LOL well keep an eye out- I'm thinking of starting a post on all the differences I've learned on this site- from words used to cultural differences between here and the UK! You'd be suprised.... wish I could move over there!

Jazzy

Welcome to the forum

Deise

Im assuming that includes your significant other's "you know what" if thats how you rationalize it. Pap smears are for precancerous cell detection, not a nuissance.

Mantha3

OH my... oh my... oh my! I don't really like to get too involved in this kind of threads but I will give my experience as I am American but live in Belgium. I have had a child in the US and Belgium (this will be my second in Belgium). And would like to give you the differences I have seen from both my experiences. Keep in mind Belgium is located next to France and I had my baby in the US 6-7 years ago. In the US I was never giving a vaginal ultrasound, in Belgium I am still to this day at 22 weeks. In the US I was giving one pap at the begining to check for cancer cells and STD's (this is normal procedure because if you have some STD's you can't give birth vaginally). I was also given this in Belgium. In the US I didn't get anymore papsmears during my pregnancy until I hit about my 8th month.. they then did an exam to check if I was dilating (which I was). In Belgium I am examined every visit, I also have my blood taken every month to check for toxoplasmosis and my pee is checked for infection, etc. Starting the third trimester I will be monitored for contractions, every visit. So...... that is my experience. When you research things.. are you researching off the net? If so becareful what you read.

coccyx

You can find statistics to support any opinion if you look hard enough. Not routinely given a smear in UK when pregnant. Would not be insulted if they wanted to check blood for hiv or syplillis, they are taking blood anyway. You can always say no ! Can't say people are brainwashed just because their opinion differs from yours