Routine smear test letter - should I make an appointment?

[Caitni]

Hi

I've just had a letter through for a routine smear test and I'm 19 weeks pregnant. Should I just go along as usual? I'm not sure whether being pregnant means I should just delay it until after the baby is born...

Any insights/experiences before I phone my GP's surgery would be much appreciated.

[whomovedmychocolate]

Depends on your GP I think - some of them do, some of them don't. It's not dangerous to do it but perhaps they just don't realise you are pregnant. Most people wait till their six week postnatal check.

[sally78]

I had a bleed yesteraday at 22 weeks pregnant and the consultant at the hopsital did an examination. Anyway whilst there they said NOT to have a smear until 16 weeks after birth as the results can be wrong due to hormone changes. You need to call the number at the top of the letter and they will send a reminder around 4 months after the birth as you may have more on your mind by then! HTH xx

[bubblesincambridge]

I don't think you can have it done whilst your preggers - leave it til after baby has come.

[anniebigpants]

I had a letter come through when i was 22 weeks pregnant, when i rang them they said they would send me a letter out to go for a smear after the baby was born.

[anniebigpants]

I had a letter come through when i was 22 weeks pregnant, when i rang them they said they would send me a letter out to go for a smear after the baby was born.

[anniebigpants]

Woops, sorry for double post!

[Caitni]

Thanks for your responses.

I actually just spoke to my GP's receptionist. She said to wait until 12 weeks after the baby's born, as hormonal changes during pregnancy mean they don't like to do them then in case something is missed.

Apparently I don't get a reminder then but I've always kept up-to-date with my smears so I should remember (hopefully!).

[sally78]

It's annoying how each area of the county does things differently! I was told 16 weeks, you were told 12, I get a reminder, you have to remember! Its a good job we are intelligent!

[whomovedmychocolate]

I had mine at six weeks post partum (but had caesarian so maybe that changes things). I wouldn't have remembered if the GP hadn't chased me (literally - down the corridor yelling 'before you run away the nurse needs to see you' )

[Kingsroadie]

I have had two letter due as smear was due in August I think. I have ignored them and have been told to have it "after the baby's born". Helpful.

[Fajitas]

I rang my doctor's surgery and the receptionist said "Er, I have no idea". Great stuff. Thanks for the help here!

[Caitni]

Seems like there's precisely NO consistency across different PCTs then .

I've actually done a bit of googling and some sites say you should go for smears while pregnant if you're due one as long as it's followed up with a smear after the birth.

WMMC was at the image of doc chasing you down the corridor! Bet that happens loads!

[argento]

My mum apparently had smear test when she was pregnant - and they always came back abnormal, but her doctor said not to worry as it was probably due to hormonal changes. Pretty much pointless then