Smear test

[MyPurpleHeart]

Has anyone had a smear while pregnant?

I had the LLETZ procedure back in the summer and discussed with the consultant that I was planning on a family (34, first pregnancy)

She said don't let it stop you, you can have a follow up smear if you are pregnant. Fantastic. I got pregnant a lot quicker than expected and am currently 21 weeks

I've just had a letter for a follow up smear. I called my GP to try and book it and the receptionist refused due to pregnancy. I explained my medical history and that the consultant said I should still do it. She said well we can do it but it could cause a miscarriage so that's up to you. In those exact words. I asked to speak to a doctor or nurse for some advice as she'd frightened me a bit and she refused, everyone's busy you can try tomorrow. Do you want to book it?

I called the midwife who was a bit shocked, she said she strongly advises I have it due to my history and if the GP won't she will. She said it's perfectly safe.

I'm now very confused and scared. Has anyone had one during pregnancy? I'm going to be speaking to the GP manager as I don't think a receptionist should be saying things like that and not letting me get medical advice.

My sister had one in late pregnancy, don't think that's usually the done thing though but she had abnormal cells and had missed her appointment before getting pregnant so think that's why they done it. She did go into labour early (36 weeks) but think that was put down to a kidney infection, the smear was done around 25-30 weeks.

I don't have any medical advice and no idea 🤷🏻‍♀️ if it's generally considered safe or not but I had a smear when I was 10 weeks pregnant as I didn't know about the pregnancy at the time and everything was fine

Yes, generally if it's a routine one they won't do it if pregnant. But you clearly have a very valid need for one. I had lletz last year and have been given the OK to wait as long as I get it done ASAP because I've had a normal smear inbetween.
I'm not entirely sure if it's the same, but plenty of us have swabs etc when pregnant so how different can a smear be? They've always felt the same as a smear.
If your midwife and consultant are advising it, then I'd go ahead xx

Hey,
I had a few internals/swabs/cell collection etc... done in my 1st pregnancy and I was really worried as I thought they weren't advisable but my midwifes and doctors said it's generally for comfort/infection risk they don't do routine ones as some women can get spotting afterwards pregnant or not.

Ignore what the receptionist said to you that was uncalled for and just hateful. Speak to your consultant so you can make an informed choice. I dare say your consultant will have done more smears than the receptionist 🤗 x

Congratulations on your pregnancy 😊

I’d be complaining about the person you spoke to as she’s not really qualified to give you medical advice, it would seem she is wrong, and also she shouldn’t have spoken to you like that.

The NHS guidance is attached and it seems like you should have the smear test.

FWIW I was in Spain when I fell pregnant and they did a smear as a matter of course apparently, I got it done and had absolutely no issues with the pregnancy, had a healthy baby boy.