The Pap test is a type of cancer screening that most women undergo. But have you ever heard it done for pregnancy? Wondering how? Don’t worry. This article will explain what you need to know about pap smears and pregnancy.
What is Pap Smear?
Pap smears are a routine, painless test to detect changes in your cervical cells. They can help prevent cervical cancer in the future.
Doctors perform Pap smears during a pelvic exam. The doctor will use a speculum to open your vagina and expose the cervix. Then they will take a sample of cells from the cervix with an instrument called a brush or spatula.
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Some women may experience mild discomfort during this procedure. But it is usually not painful.
The sample is sent to a lab for testing. The results are usually ready 1 or 2 days later. If everything looks normal, you’ll get another Pap test in 3 years, unless your doctor recommends sooner. You may need more tests or follow-up care if there are signs of abnormal cells on your Pap smear.
Abnormal cells may not be cancerous but can lead to cancer if not treated early. Also, some things may make a woman more likely to develop cervical cancer than others.
Why you should still get a Pap Smear while pregnant
When you’re pregnant, your body is working overtime to grow a new life. And that means your body’s immune system is in overdrive—it’s hard for you to fight off infections.
That’s why you need to have regular check-ups while pregnant. One of those essential check-ups is the Pap smear.
The pap smear is a test that checks for abnormal cervical cells. And helps prevent cervical cancer. A cervical swab is a test that collects cells from your cervix. The cells are then looked at under a microscope.
You can have the test at any point during your pregnancy. Still, some doctors recommend getting it between weeks 20 and 24 of pregnancy. The best time to have a doctor collect cells from your cervix is before or after you give birth.
If your pap smear test finds abnormalities, your doctor may recommend follow-up tests or treatments. This could include biopsies (removing small tissue samples for testing).
A Pap smear is a simple and effective health screening test that can detect cervical cancer early.
What to expect during your Pap Smear appointment
If you’re pregnant and have had a pap smear in the past, you know that it can be a bit of an ordeal. You have to make sure your doctor knows, for one thing. Then you have to work around the fact that your cervix is more sensitive than usual.
But if you’re planning on getting a pap smear during pregnancy, there are a few other things to keep in mind. Here’s what to expect during your appointment:
- Your doctor will be extra careful when she’s examining your cervix. She’ll use gloves and lubricant. And she’ll take her time so as not to cause any unnecessary discomfort or injury.
- The speculum used during your exam may be larger than usual. It’s because of the changes in size and shape of your reproductive organs during pregnancy. And even after childbirth. It means that some women may experience some discomfort at this point in the procedure. But there should be no pain beyond normal for a pap smear during pregnancy or after childbirth. This is also fairly common.
- Sometimes the doctor might take extra precautions. Especially if they’re concerned about hurting the baby or causing a miscarriage. This might mean using a metal instrument instead of plastic during certain tests or procedures.
What is a normal Pap Smear result?
A normal pap smear result is when all your results are normal and there are no signs of cervical cancer or pre-cancerous cells on your cervix. Your doctor confirms the presence of cervical cancer or pre-cancerous cells in your cervix. But they will need to see at least one normal test result first.
Can pregnancy cause abnormal Pap Smear?
The short answer is yes. A woman’s body goes through many changes during pregnancy. These include hormonal imbalances that can cause variations in her Pap smear.
Some women experience an increase in the amount of blood present on their Pap smear, making it difficult for their doctor to see clearly.
If you have an abnormal Pap smear during pregnancy, you should talk with your doctor. Ask them if it is related to your pregnancy or not.
Do Pap Smears hurt more when pregnant?
A Pap smear is a simple, quick, and usually painless test. It can help save your life by detecting early signs of cervical cancer.
The test is performed by inserting a speculum into the vagina to widen it. And then using a small brush to collect cells from the cervix, examined under a microscope. Pap smears are not particularly painful. But some women do report feeling discomfort. Or cramping during or after the procedure.
There is no definitive answer on whether Pap smears hurt more when you are pregnant. But it is worth noting that some women find them more uncomfortable during this time. It is likely because pregnancy can cause the cervix to swell and bleed more quickly. It makes it more sensitive to the touch.
But, whether pregnant or not, Pap Smears are essential to keeping yourself healthy so be sure to schedule one with your doctor about it.
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Tips for making Pap Smear during pregnancy more comfortable
- Take a warm shower or bath before your appointment. A warm, moist environment helps to relax the vaginal tissue. Making it easier for the doctor to collect samples.
- Try taking deep breaths when you feel anxious or uncomfortable during the exam. It can help slow down your heart rate and lower blood pressure, which are good things if you’re pregnant!
- Bring a friend or family member for moral support during your appointment. You never know what might happen during this visit. So having someone there just in case could be helpful for both of you!
- Schedule your appointment for early morning when it’s still dark outside. Or late at night after everyone else has gone home). This way, you won’t have any distractions from bright lights or noise. This helps in trying to relax enough for proper examination results!
Can a Pap Smear Cause a miscarriage in early pregnancy?
Talking to Doctor about a pap smear
Republished with permission from theAsianparent Singapore
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