HPV positive smear, now pregnant

[worriedwanderer]

Almost 2 years ago, I had a smear test that returned a positive HPV result, but no abnormal cells. Instructions to book another test in a year.

A year came, and I booked a test in March 2020, which was cancelled due to COVID. I then had my daughter at home in lockdown, working from home etc and didn't get around to rebooking in June when they restarted.

In July, I fell pregnant.

In October, I had a miscarriage.

Since then, I've had 'book smear' on a literal to do list (Christmas, lockdown 3.0, daughter at home again etc - not excuses, but reasons) and haven't got around to it. I have now just found out I am pregnant again. I am almost 5 weeks.

I asked the midwife what I should do, and she said they don't recommend smears in pregnancy, but I'm also reading that HPV increases risk of miscarriage.

I know if I still have the virus there's nothing to be done, but does anyone know if this DOES increase miscarriage risk, or even if this could be the reason for my loss last year? Should I push for a smear?

Help!

No, hpv infection doesn’t increase miscarriage risk. Having had abnormal cervical cells removed due to abnormalities caused by an active hpv infection can slightly increase the risk of early labour in some cases as it can weaken the cervix, but normally doesn’t, unless you had quite a large chunk of cervical tissue removed (and if they were worried about this during any subsequent pregnancies, they could put a stitch in your cervix to help reduce the risk). Most women who have had treatment for abnormal cervical cells have perfectly normal, to full term subsequent pregnancies.

I suggest you get a smear done asap after your next pregnancy, though, as pregnancy hormones in some people can speed up the development of cell abnormalities if they remain hpv positive. Chances are higher, though, if you’ve only had one hpv positive result, that your body has cleared the virus, anyway, so don’t panic. Even with a continuing hpv infection, the chances of any abnormalities developing to a point they have actually become cancer within a couple of years are very low. Non-cancerous hpv-related changes can normally be treated very easily and quickly.

@Walkaround Thank you so, so much for taking the time to reply to me, and with such a thorough response. I can't tell you how much reassurance this has given me. I really appreciate it.

Congratulations on your pregnancy :)

There is every chance you have already cleared the infection so try not to worry. Even if you haven't you're unlikely to have got very far with any abnormal cell changes - in fact you probably don't have any at all.

Book a smear when the baby comes and enjoy welcoming your little one x

Hey

I am in the same boat with you. I miscarried recently and want to conceive again asap, but worrying abou same things as yourself. There are mixed reviews on whether hpv can contribute to miscarriage or not, but likely not. I think we should look into the properly researched evidence regarding this. But yes, i am worried too. How are you doing right now? Have you managed to speak to the doctor about this? Wishing you well and an easy successful pregnancy this time!