Colposcopy during pregnancy?

[EllieRosesMammy]

Hi just looking for a bit of advice. I had my first smear in December (I'm 25) and they found abnormal cells and have made an appointment for further investigation (Colposcopy). I have also recently found out I'm pregnant (around 4 weeks 4 days) and just got my letter through the post today with the date of my colposcopy which is beginning of March, when I'd be 9 weeks pregnant. I've tried ringing the helpline and they just arent answering, so I was wondering if anyone else had a colposcopy while pregnant and if it's safe? I have a history of miscarriges which is what is worrying me, my last misscarrige was June 2018 when I was 12 weeks and 5 days pregnant and it was pretty horrific. Obviously I dont want to put off the further investigations if the abnormal cells are pre cancerous but I also dont want to do anything that even slightly risks miscarrige :)

I would speak to your GP. Personally I wouldn't have one in the first trimester. It may be that they will do the colposcopy just to have a look. They put a solution on your cervix to highlight the abnormal cells. If any are found, they would usually take a biopsy. from what I understand, this wouldn't be done in pregnancy but if they don't know you are pregnant then you need to tell them. It's also your body and you get to decide what happens to you.

They do a pregnancy test when you go for one and won’t do it if you are pregnant, try to contact them before you go. They’ll rearrange it for after you’ve had the baby

Thanks for the replies :) I've tried to call them a fea times but they're not answering their phones. I'll keep trying x

You should keep trying to call them. They will
Most likely delay it till after 12 weeks. I had mine done due to suspected ectropion (from pregnancy) at 18 weeks. I was very worried but the consultant and nurse who looked after me were brilliant and very reassuring. I had 2 mc prior to this pregnancy.

I should say, if you require treatment, they’d delay till after baby is born. If you dont, they will schedule another colposcopy 3 months after birth just to check

I had a similar scenario. Had a smear in November with abnornal cells and HPV, fell pregnant in December. Had colposcopy planned for March. Except i had a miscarriage so my colposcopy was done and they also took a biopsy (small piece of cervix to analyse).
Results came back with confirmation of abnornal cells and a follow up colposcopy 4 months later. I fell pregnant again just before.
So i had my second colposcopy delayed at 16weeks pregnant. They just took a look with the scope and did the solution test and unless you have a big obvious issue like they believe your life is at risk, they will not take any biopsy while pregnant.
I have another one scheduled 3 months post birth where they will probably do biopsy again.

So in my experience, colposcopy in pregnancy is safe.
Taking biopsy sample not so much and won't be done unless it's absolutely necessary.
Most treatments can wait after birth from what they told me.

Good luck!

I had a colposcopy in my second trimester. Was referred by maternity after some spotting at 16 weeks.

Hope you manage to get through to them to delay it a bit if necessary! And of course hope all is clear and pregnancy is smooth sailing!

I had the same situation, I had the colposcopy when I was in my first trimester after just finding out I was pregnant. I just told the consultant at the appointment and it was explained to me that if I needed treatment this would be delayed but the colposcopy itself will not harm the baby. It's just like a camera having a closer look.

Its great you're up to date with your smears and although an abnormal result is scary this is what the screening process is for. I personally wouldnt look to delay any follow up appointments, especially given they are so unpredictable right now. I hope everything goes okay, and congratulations on your pregnancy.

Update: I tried multiple times to get through to gynecology outpatients at my hospital with no success 🙄 but I had an early bird pregnancy appointment yesterday and spoke to the nurse there who was able to advise me that they most likely won't do any investigations till after I've had the baby. Shes told me to go to the appointment anyway but make them aware so they can continue to monitor me and so I dont get lost in the system :)