Pap smear during pregnancy

[beanandsprout]

Hi there,
Should I expect and prepare myself for a pap smear when I have my first appt with my new OBGYN?  
Thanks!

[ketona31479]

I've had it done with all my pregnancies, by the same Doctor...What helped me relax is having my DH there and consentrating  on him instead of on what the doctor was doing. i just held my DH's hand and looked at him. it didnt hurt me one bit, i didnt spot or cramp.
Anyway I'd have to go with what all of the other ladies said, because I've just had two paps in my whole life.

[Clysta]

Sorry. Meant to say I, not you. My mind is elsewhere today.

[Clysta]

I had one done as well. It was a lot more uncomfortable (I was 16 weeks before I was properly seen by a doctor) but not terrible. You had cramping, which I was told is normal as well.

[sepears1]

i had one done, but i was due for one. I also had some spotting afterward but it is completely normal. They're not going near the cervix, and if theres bleeding, its only from the vaginal wall and nothing to worry about. I did notice it was a lot more uncomfortable when i was pregnant.

[cnj76]

I just saw my obgyn Monday and they gave me a pap. I'll be 12 weeks Sunday. I did not spot or cramp afterwards although, I hear it can happen. It wasn't as bad as i thought it was going to be. I've learned to relax and if a pap could cause a miscarriage, I wouldn't foresee doctors giving them. If it has been a while since you've had one, they'll most likely give you one. Just remember to relax and every appointment is one step closer to the baby being here :] it helped me a lot. Best thing too, is be completely comfortable with your doctor and have them understand your needs if your worried about it. :]

[mamaof4410]

My doctor did one in august and again in october when i went for my first appt with this pregnancy.

[babycrazy113]

Mine did not give me a pap.  It was over six months since my last but less than a year and they told me is wasn't necessary to do one now.  I agree with JoyRenee.  If you are uncomfortable with it, discuss it with your doctor.

[needhelp24121]

I had a pap done at my first visit even though I had just had one in August. My doctor told me that since my next one would be when I'm very late in my pregnancy, she went ahead and did it now. She told me to be prepared for some spotting, but I didn't have any at all. It was, for me, much more uncomfortable than one not pregnant, but I didn't have any problems from it.

[JoyRenee]

I've had a pap every pregnancy. You will not miscarry from a pap smear. Your cervix is closed very tight and if you look at an anatomy illustration you'll show baby is tucked far away and safe from the long Q-tip.

If YOU are uncomfortable with it then express your concern. If they won't listen to your concerns find a new care provider. How your provider treats you in office visits will translate to the delivery room.

[beanandsprout]

Thanks for your resonse.  Should I be worried about a pap causing miscarriage?  I just don't do well with them, and I am freaked out that it will affect my pregnancy negatively.  What do you think?

[angela418]

I was under the impression that doctors usually waited until after you have your baby to do it, at least both of my doctors have - but I also had a normal pap within the year before my pregnancies, so maybe that's why they waited.  

[JoyRenee]

Each practice is different. If you had one very recently they most likely won't do one. If it has been awhile (more than 6 months) you should expect to have a pap smear. You can always call and ask the receptionist if it is common practice to have a pap smear the first visit to prepare yourself.