A.G. asks from Womelsdorf, PA on February 16, 2007
Abnormal Pap Smear and Pregnancy
Today I took a home pregnancy test and it came out positive. I was very excited, until I called my OB. The pap smear I had done in Janueary came back "slightly abnormal." The nurse told me they really can't do anything until I am through my first trimester. After that they talked of getting a closer look with a scope and possibly a biopsy. Should I allow such an abrasive procedure? Will it hurt the baby? I'm extremely concerned because I had a miscarriage 3 months ago, and I can't bear the thought of going through that again.
I would appreciate any advice and prayer. Thank you!
More Answers
C.J. answers from Harrisburg on February 16, 2007
First off, I would love to say congrats on the pregnancy. Second, I would honestly not worry yet about the abnormal pap.It may have to do with your miscarriage that you had a few months ago.Third, I wouldnt allow the prodedure to be done while being pregnant.Let them look, but not touch.I have had abnormal paps all of my life, and I always worry about them coming back abnormal, but ever since I started having my OB use a broom effect to do my pap, they have come back fine.
J.B. answers from Scranton on February 16, 2007
Abnormal paps are fairly common during pregnancy and shortly afterward. There's a possibility it could be either from the miscarriage or the current pregnancy, if you were already pg when you had the pap. On the other hand, it's something you'll want them to keep a close eye on.
K.M. answers from Austin on February 17, 2007
i've just entered my fourth month of my first pregnancy and they called me yesterday to tell me about an "abnormal" pap smear and they said the won't biopsy anything 'til i have the kid. perhaps you can suggest that if it'll make you more comfortable. the nurse who called me yesterday and said that there are other things they can do to test for things, aside from biopsy. stress effects both you AND the baby, and so close to a miscarrage maybe it'd be best to keep everyone on an even keel. that's the direction i'm taking it. whatever's wrong with me doesn't need to be with the kid. personally, i'd rather get a c-section than risk anything at all. my mom had cervical cancer when i was born, and i was a c-section and everything went well. so, i dunno. i say do what you're most comfortable with.
K.B. answers from Washington DC on February 17, 2007
A.,
I JUST had "a closer look" done because of an abnormal pap smear also....I promise it is no big deal. I am 7mos. pregnant and had the same thing done (possible biopsy and all). I had it done a couple wks ago when I was 6mos. It took like 10min. AT THE MOST. I have a good doctor, he is quick and to the point. I was concerned about cancer. He said..you can tell by looking and after looking he said no about that. He also told me it was VERY common (like 1 in 10?I think he said)and he called the abnormalty a virus that usually goes away sometime after the baby is born. I do not think the "procedure" reaches the baby anyway? Please email me if you have ANY questions. ____@____.com
Also I will pray too....maybe it will go away before the 1st trimester! :)
K.M. answers from Washington DC on February 17, 2007
Hi
First I would find out how abnormal the cells are. There are varying levels. I had a colposcopy for the same reason. I would get a second opinion on the riskiness of doing the procedure while pregnant. I was told that since cervical cancer cells are one of the most slow growing, there was no reason to panic. I hope this helps some. You are in my prayers.
L.B. answers from Philadelphia on February 16, 2007
I would certainly get an opinion or two from your OB/GYN office before doing anything about the pap results. Especially with your history of miscarriage, I wouldn't do anything intrusive during your pregnancy unless the problem is serious or absolutely necessary.
J. answers from Pittsburgh on February 19, 2007
A. - My family will pray for you!
read everything to make an educated decision- if they don't think the abnormality will harm the baby - don't do it.
K.M. answers from Philadelphia on February 18, 2007
HI A.
SOMETIMES YOU CAN GET A ABNORMAL PAP SMEAR IF YOU HAD SEXUAL RELATION PRIOR TO YR VISIT,I KNOW I HAD RELATION PRIOR TO MY VISIT, THE PAP TEST CAME BACK ABNORMAL, THEY GAVE ME A CREAM TO USE FOR A MONTH AND NO RELATION DURING THAT TIME, WHEN I WENT BACK EVERYTHING CAME OUT NORMAL.
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