Can you have smear test while pregnant

Moderate to severe cell changes shown on an abnormal Pap test are always evaluated by colposcopy, and possibly cervical biopsy, to diagnose the abnormal tissue and to make sure invasive cervical cancer is not present. Follow-up Pap tests and colposcopy may be done for the rest of the pregnancy to monitor the progression of the cell changes.

Moderate to severe changes can be monitored closely, and treatment can wait until after delivery. In rare cases, a procedure called a cone biopsy is needed to rule out cancer. Invasive cervical cancer must be treated as soon as possible. It is harder to manage because of the concern for the outcome of both the woman and her pregnancy.

Treatment will be managed by a team of health professionals who specialize in cancer and high-risk pregnancies. Kiley MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology. Author: Healthwise Staff.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Cervical screening can be performed at any time, including before becoming pregnant and during your pregnancy. Your pregnancy might be the first chance your health-care provider has to offer you a cervical screening test.

You may be asked about your cervical screening history during your first antenatal visit , and offered cervical screening if you haven't had one within the recommended time.

This is an important opportunity to take steps to keep yourself healthy and well, throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Self-collection is where you are shown how to collect your own sample for cervical screening. Self-collection is not recommended if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Your health provider will conduct the cervical screening test for you. The benefits to your health outweigh any risks to your baby.

If your test shows you have HPV, your health-care provider will monitor the infection and is likely to recommend further tests to better understand the changes to your cervical cells. Even when results show an HPV infection, it normally takes 10 or more years for it to develop into cervical cancer. Only about 1 in 20 pregnant women will have abnormal cervical cells after further investigation. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

The Pap test sometimes called the Pap smear has changed to the cervical screening test. Find out about how the changes impact you here. Read more on Cancer Council Australia website. All you need to know about cervical screening tests and how they differ from pap smears. Learn why and when you should have one and how they work.

Read more on Jean Hailes for Women's Health website. Pap smear tests are currently used in Australia as a screening test for cervical cancer. A Pap smear test can detect changes in the cells of the cervix that may develop into cancer. Read more on myDr website. Find out how cervical screening tests are performed and what happens when a cervical screening test is positive for HPV.

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This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Registry Builder New. Pap Smears During Pregnancy. Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Wu, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Yes, your old friend the Pap smear is part of your prenatal workup too. Learn more about the Pap smear procedure during pregnancy.

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