Six week check up

[wobblymum]

I'm going for my '6 week check-up' on Wednesday (except it's actually 8 weeks) and I read about it in one book which said the doctor does a routine smear test at the same time. How necessary is this? Ie, is the doctor going to treat me like I'm mad if I say I don't want it?

I understand the need for smears but I'm still feeling a bit sore and the last thing I want at the moment is more prodding around down there. I wouldn't mind a smear in a few months, just not now!!

Advice??

What country are you in, Wobblymum? I think cervical cancer screening is only done every 3 years in the UK, so you should only get the smear if you are otherwise due. Maybe the rules have changed... though? US does smears every year, you aren't reading an American book, are you?. Don't see that doc should hassle you; it's your choice.

I'm in the UK and I was reading a Miriam Stoppard book. I'm 21 and I've never had a smear done. I actually got an invitation to just when I found out I was pregnant and I didn't go. So they'll probably want to do it anyway. I'll jusy say no, they can't make me.

No, they can't possibly make you. I did have one done at the six week check but only because I happened to be exactly 3 years since my last one. I guess Miriam Stoppard says that because since they are likely to be "prodding around down there" anyway, they might as well do a smear at the same time. Just say no if you don't want one and make an appointment for another time.

IME, some docs don't like doing a smear test so soon after you've given birth, because apparently the results can be unclear then.

However, if you're still feeling a bit sore, it's worth mentioning that and getting it checked out. But remember that, no-one can do anything to you that you don't want done - including an internal exam.

Wobblymum, there is absolutely no need for any kind of physical examination unless you have any particular problems. Gone are the days of the routine internal to check that everything is back to normal 'down there' . Smears are not recommended until at least 3 months post natal so you should not even be offerred one. They are more likely to come back with suspected changed because of the process of childbirth. Your post natal visit really should just be a chat to see how you are getting on and how you are feeling physically. Contraception should also be discussed. HTH.

Thanks, I'm just going to say no to any prodding around, had enough of that at the birth!!!

I was supposed to get a smear after dd1 but they were very understanding when I pointed out just how much I didn't feel like it.

I got the odd prod at the tummy, and an enquiry as to whether I'd thought about contraception (doc obviously embarassed at raising such an indelicate topic). Was actually very underimpressed this time as could have ragingly infected stitches and dreadful PND and he wouldn't have noticed.