sigmoidoscopy whilst preg ( ivf pregnancy)

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Hi all

I have a complex history with my colon

Latest colonoscopy was in early 2024..

Ive been offered a sigmoidoscopy - due to 2 instances of bleeding when pooping

( gp put finger up my bum and thinks i may have haemroid or polyp ) ..

History of miscarriage
& been through IVF..

Dont really want this procedure whilst preg..
( ivf was a,lot etc )

Wondered if there are many of you who have had this procedure?

Not willing to have it before 24w preg ( 24w = viability week in eyes of many )

Thats only 5.5 weeks away
but yeah..

I had one but not while pregnant. I think sooner would be better than waiting as the enema you need to have could trigger labour although I’m sure the risk is very small. Mine caused a stomach upset for the full day.

The doctor wouldn't have offered it to you if they didn't think it was safe or the risks outweighed the benefits. I do understand your concern though. A quick Google indicates it is safe

I had one last week. Private consultant did it there and then, no enema/ prep required. It’s about 30 seconds and only looks at lower rectum. Very quick and painless.

Yes, that's been my experience too, although it looked at the descending, left side of the colon, not just rectum, and my underlying condition involved frequent diarrhoea.

I did have a smear test at my 12 week appointment in the US. They insisted it was routine and all was thankfully well with the baby. Despite a clear NHS smear 4 months earlier in the UK, abnormal cells were found, so I guess the benefits outweighed the cons - although no IVF involved, but I'd had a previous cervical excision. (Colposcopy, which successfully removed all of the abnormal cells, was delayed until after the birth.)