Are monthly pap smears normal during pregnancy?

The Pap smear is done during a pelvic exam. A doctor uses a device called a speculum to widen the opening of the vagina so that the cervix can be examined. A plastic spatula and small brush are used to collect cells from the cervix. After the cells are taken, they are placed into a solution.

The solution is sent to a lab for testing. For some it is painful for some it is not. You can help your clinician obtain a good Pap smear by not having intercourse, not douching, or not using any products/medications in the vaginal area for at least two days prior to the examination.

A Pap smear is a routine part of your pre-natal care and poses no risk to the fetus. If you have an abnormal Pap during pregnancy your physician will discuss treatments which can be done safely during pregnancy, or depending on diagnosis, delay treatment until after your baby is born. If your physician suggests a colposcopy or cervical biopsy, there can be slight bleeding from the external part of the cervix, but this is not a serious complication.

If your physician is considering doing an internal biopsy into the endocervical canal, there may be a slight risk of a pregnancy complication. But your health care provider has your best interest in mind and will only do what is medically necessary.

Your doctor may perform additional Pap smears during your pregnancy, if necessary. Many times the birth of your baby will wash away any abnormal cervical cells.