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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if it's ok to have a smear this soon after birth?

27 replies

Witsendmummy · 09/07/2018 14:55

Got a letter for my 1st smear test while I was pregnant so called and they said to wait till after birth. Baby is 5 weeks now I called and asked how long I need to wait. The lady booked me in for next week so will be 6 weeks after birth. Is it ok to have one this soon? Does anyone have experiences of having one soon after a natural delivery I'm worrying 🙈

OP posts:
TurnipCake · 09/07/2018 14:57

It's usually 3 months after a baby

moronseverywhere · 09/07/2018 14:57

I had Mine at the same time, and it was no more painful than any others I've had done.

DianaPrincessOfThemyscira · 09/07/2018 14:57

I did, it was fine Smile

moronseverywhere · 09/07/2018 14:58

Uncomfortable rather than painful!

Sugarskulllover · 09/07/2018 14:58

I've also had a letter for a smear whilst pregnant. I was told to wait 3 months after the baby has been born to go for it.

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 09/07/2018 14:58

I tried to make an appointment at my doctor and they said wait til 3 months after the birth

Original poster
Witsendmummy · 09/07/2018 14:59

I wonder if she didn't realise you should wait 3 months or if it's not a set rule?

OP posts:
Montsti · 09/07/2018 14:59

It’s standard at the 6 week post birth obstetrician check up here (not in the UK)...I’ve only had c sections though but not sure if that makes a difference.

Rainshowers · 09/07/2018 14:59

I was told to wait three months and the nurse asked me at least twice how old my baby was while she was getting everything ready.

elQuintoConyo · 09/07/2018 15:00

I had one during my first midwife check up after the birth, about a week maybe two post partum. I wasn't expecting it, it was just 'i'll take a smear while i'm up there' whoosh! She inserted the speculum, turned round to get a swab and the speculum slid out onto the floor!

  • i'd had forceps birth and 4th degree tear and was in agony. ** i'm not in UK, if that makes any difference.

If i were to have another child, i wouldn't go for a smear test until 6 months post partum, or longer. DS is 6.5 YEARS old and i haven't been back for another Blush

moronseverywhere · 09/07/2018 15:01

Sorry to derail but I had Mine at 6/7 weeks Pp & was sent for a colposcopy. After the results came back I'm now down for yearly smears. Could it of been wrong because I had one so early?

PinstripeElephant · 09/07/2018 15:02

I was told if it as done before 12 weeks, there was a higher risk of abnormal results. Not sure how accurate that is though!

NinkyNonk1 · 09/07/2018 15:03

I think the letters are sent out automatically from the NHS and not your surgery. Just wait until 3 months have passed to book it

Original poster
Witsendmummy · 09/07/2018 15:03

I think I'll run back and ask her to check!

OP posts:
LeighaJ · 09/07/2018 15:03

I was told 12 weeks by a midwife while pregnant, by a gynaecologist who fitted my coil, a GP at antenatal appointment and the receptionist asked if I would be at 12 weeks post partum before booking me in for the smear appointment.

Melamin · 09/07/2018 15:06

Some surgeries used to do a smear at the six week check, but the results are not as accurate 6w pp. You need to book a smear for 12 weeks. www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/when-its-offered/

cptartapp · 09/07/2018 15:06

Practice nurse here. Guidelines say 12 weeks.

Cornettoninja · 09/07/2018 15:07

Are you still bleeding? I’m pretty sure I was at that point, if only lightly, but was under the impression this can make a sample contaminated.

Personally I’d rebook when I felt comfortable with it unless there were other reasons that I needed one done ASAP.

Spam88 · 09/07/2018 15:15

You shouldn't have it until 12 weeks, as others have said. There's a high risk of false positives if you have it earlier.

cptartapp · 31/03/2019 13:48

Practice nurse here. National guidelines say to allow 12 weeks (for cervical cells to regenerate). Any sooner could produce an unreliable result.

TickTockBaby · 31/03/2019 13:54

12 weeks, any sooner result will be affected by recent cervix changes postpartum.

thismeansnothing · 31/03/2019 13:58

My DD is 6 weeks. When I was discharged from hospital the MW said to leave it till 6 months. The HV and community mw all said the same.

cptartapp · 01/05/2019 16:14

Guidelines say twelve weeks.
Practice nurse,

cptartapp · 01/06/2020 15:59

Practice nurse.
Guidelines say twelve weeks to allow cervical cells/hormones to settle.

peopleherearerightcunts · 01/06/2020 16:02

@cptartapp you answered this twice, one year apart Grin