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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Smear test after childbirth - how long?

14 replies

titmouse · 15/02/2009 17:44

I haven't had a smear test in a while, and the MW said I should have one after the baby comes. How long should wait?
thank you!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Smallholder · 15/02/2009 18:26

Hi titmouse. To the best of my knowledge - when your baby is 3 months old is the optimum time. We all hate them, but you know it makes sense.

snifflewitch · 15/02/2009 18:29

i think SH is probably about right. I was given one at my 6 week check after ds1, but it came back inaccurate/unreadable and had to be repeated. The second one was fine, which would probably have been around 6mo.

Smallholder · 15/02/2009 18:37

snifflewitch - how worrying that must have been

Original poster

titmouse · 15/02/2009 18:40

thanks ladies. Will they offer it or should I put it in my diary now to remind me?

OP posts:

snifflewitch · 15/02/2009 18:48

you do it. much better to feel like you're in control of it - time sort of vanishes when you have a new baby

Smallholder · 15/02/2009 18:51

titmouse - it does rather depend on your GP practice and their efficiency IYKWIM. I have experienced both - my previous practice would almost have come and fetched me (I guess they were cash-strapped and needed the money ). With my current one, they would rely on the patient to remember and make the appointment. Richer/lazier practice? Can't decide.
However, it is your cervix and your health, so I would recommend that you put it in your diary and call them for an appointment when appropriate.
PS - my advice - wear a skirt - I keep one just for smear tests (I never wear one in real life)- it saves that hideousness of standing there nekkid from the waist down and looking for something to cover yourself with - a skirt may be horrid, but in these situations, it does the job

Tangle · 15/02/2009 20:39

I'd agree at about 3 months - my MWs told me explicitly NOT to get one done at my 6 week check as the issues snifflewitch had are, apparently, not uncommon. Hormones and all that... They may remind you, but you loose nothing by putting it in your diary now as well

missmama · 22/02/2009 00:24

I have just had mine done at my 6wk check, but only because she was taking a swab anyway and it might save me a trip later.

ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight · 22/02/2009 19:30

mine suggested waiting til my cycle is back and coming mid cycle. Still waiting 5 months later...

spaceangel1382 · 19/05/2011 20:28

A smeer has not been mentioned to me by anyone. DD is 5 months a 2 weeks now.

nannyl · 20/05/2011 13:12

My smear is due November
My Baby is due in September

will try and book it in December perhaps. MUST do it as last year my sisters life long best friend, died aged just 25 from cervical cancer which, had she have kept up with her smears, may well be alive now

nickelbabe · 21/05/2011 13:34

:( nanny
You will be better waiting until December or January, anyway, just because of the likelihood of inaccuracy as stated above, and so you don't have to have it repeated.

HazeDB · 22/05/2011 08:20

I was in the same situatuation with DD. I spoke to the practise nurse at my 6 week check and was given a double appointment with DD for her last jab. So that was 16 weeks post and came back clear. The policy for my doctors is to wait until after 12weeks post delivery as least likely to need repeating and cause more discomfort

thegingerone · 22/05/2011 08:39

I believe you can have smears while you're pg. Obviously post 20 weeks lying on your back is less than brill but it is only for a few moments. Check!

I actually had a smear while pg this time but I was only a few days! I have on-going cervical issues. Had precancerous cells removed in June 2010. went back for a follow up smear in Feb (see above!) Found some more. Had a colposcopy (which is a bit like a souped up smear when they put vinegar and dyes on your cervix and look at the dodgy cells a bit closer) Cos I knew I was pg by then then didn't remove the cells. (apparantly dr could have removed cells, but if my early pg hadn't continued she feared I would blame the procedure even though it would be no risk) I'm going back for another colposcopy in July (mid pg) They will remove the cells 3months post pg.(Unless they find something awful in July )

If they're happy to do colposcopys in pg, I suspect they can do a smear.

Please please please check. Everyone have a smear ASAP!!! thinking you've got cervical cancer and then discovering you have ongoing dodgy cells (I'm one in a very small number who have repeat issues. Argggggh!) is HELL!!

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