HPV and pregnancy

About sixteen years ago, I had a pap smear and was discovered to have HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) with evidence of pre-cancerous cells on the cervix. I was treated by surgical laser.  I subsquently fell pregnant and delivered a healthy baby (he is now aged 14). I have recently fallen pregnant again (see my last post) and one concern that I have is that this condition may return. Does anyone know anything about this and what risks there may be to an unborn fetus? I haven't had a pap smear in years but plan to have one when I visit the obstetrician on my first visit. I believe that HPV is sexually transmitted but I can't imagine how I would have contracted this condition because I was married for ten years prior to being diagnosed and was not unfaithful.

[free spirit]

HPV is incredibly common. It's not just an STD, but can be transmitted in other ways and it is everywhere in the environment. Humans have lived with this virus for a long time.   You had pre-cancerous cells that were treated and subsequent paps were clear I presume.  Then there shouldn't be any need to worry.

HPV can resolve after a few years and unless you are innoculated with a heavy dose of a new strain, there shouldn't be any problems.  

If you are concerned about this, when they do your next pap, tell your doc about your HPV history and ask that they do the screening for HPV also. It is not automatically done with the pap screen.

[shygirl1981]

you could have gotten hpv anywhere. it is very rampant and is a silent disease......meaning you can't really tell where you got it from. probably EVERY sexually active person has come into contact with it at some time.  it does resolve....and it is normal to resume having normal pap smears. if you have a normal one, and no warts then you have nothing to worry about as far as your baby goes!!

[sweetjessi]

I was diagnosed with high risk HPV about 1 year ago. I recently found out that I am 5 weeks pregnant. Can the baby be affected by the HPV?

[AnnieBrooke]

You might post this question as its own thread, as it will be a little lost at the bottom of these old posts.  I would also talk to my ob-gyn about the issue.  I have heard of c-sections being suggested if vaginal delivery is not recommended, and I think I heard this in connection with HPV.  Good luck!

[ksanden]

i have hpv and delievered both of my babys with it.

[SoIwonder]

I was diagnosed, too. Rought about 3 years and after one year it has "dissappeared". The condition can return, so that is why you get a pap every 6-12 months.

However, it is a skin virus, and you would have to have the infection present while giving birth, and even then it is not likely your child would ever get it.

If you have the HPV that causes warts, your baby could get a wart elsewhere on the body (usually) on the neck due to the way that tissue develops.