cervical smear after pregnancy

[bluebread]

I've had a stroppy letter from my GP asking why I haven't had a smear recently 'despite repeated reminders'. I think I've had one reminder, but it probably got overlooked as I'd just had dc3. It says I need to book an appointment to have one done mid-cycle, but I'm bf'ing dc3 who's 7 months, and my periods aren't normal or regular yet.

I just assumed that I would wait till completely back to normal before having a smear. Does anyone know what the 'rules' are for smears during and after pg? And how often should you have one anyway? I'm sure my last one wasn't more than 3 years ago but the gp gave me a real telling off .

I was advised to wait three months post giving birth to have my smear. I don't think it matters that you are not having periods yet. They wouldn't do a smear whilst pregnant.

It's best to ring the nurse at the surgery because they know all about it. I think we are meant to have them every three years unless there have been abnormal cells.

The GPs are very hot on women keeping up to date with smears, not just for the health benefits but also because the practice earns money for every one they do.

That might explain the telling off!

i had a smear at my 6 week check but that was 10yrs ago maybe its different now

My ds is 2 and I had a smear about 8 weeks after he was born. They are done every 3 years so my next one is due at the end of this year. It wont matter that your periods havent started again yet.

I was advised to wait 3 months after ds1 was born and it didn't matter that I was bf and my periods hadn't restarted. That was 3 years ago (eeek - just realised that I'll probably be called for another soon!)

Thanks everyone. Guess I just have to swallow my pride and make an appointment. I just hate having them; I know they're necessary but it just seems such an invasive and heavy-handed procedure.

I was due to have a 6 monthly smear after having some treatment for abnormal cells, when I found out I was pg with DS2. When I phoned the hospital they told me to wait until 3 moths after he was born.

Also as for the mid cycle thing, I have never been able to organise for the perfect time for them as I have a very erratic cycle and usually have to book these things far in advance.

It is important though. I had to have a loop excision for pre-cancerous cells. I have many friends who have had the same thing happen. It is really common

Do you have to have a smear test if you are a virgin?