What happens if I have an abnormal smear result and I’m pregnant?

[BCxx]

I got a smear done at the start of last month but found out a few days later that I’m pregnant. We were trying but had been unsuccessful the 4 months before and I was due the smear anyway so just went. The nurse said I should hear within 4 weeks if it was a normal result, if not they will then go on to do the further tests if it’s shown as having hpv (I think?) I still haven’t heard anything and I’m really hoping it’s because of the postal strikes last month and Christmas holidays etc but what happens if it is abnormal? Would I get any treatment while pregnant? Really dreading getting the letter

My sister had abnormal cells, normally they just monitor abnormal cells so you go for a smear every 6 months (probably would be delayed until after the birth), obviously that would depend on the actual results, she eventually needed part of her cervix removed but that was years later after the cells changed into something more serious but she's was fine after the procedure and has had no issues since.

@K37529 thanks! I haven’t even had any bad news yet but I’m just fearing the worst. Looks like it would wait until after baby is out though

It’s common to get false abnormal results in pregnancy (bc of pregnancy changes) hence the smear test is not done during pregnancy (in uk at least). They say to come back and have it redone a few months after giving birth.

Is it your first time having HPV?

@mummyh2016 it used to just be they did the full test regardless I think (last time I had one - Scotland) but now it seems to be they test for hpv first then only do the test that takes longer if you are positive so as far as I know it’s always just came back normal

@BCxx ah okay. If you come back as having HPV but no abnormal cells you'll just have to go for another smear in 12 months. My last 2 have been positive but no abnormal cells, the nurse has told me if my next one is also positive I'll get referred. If it comes back as positive plus abnormal cells I presume you will still get referred regardless of being pregnant.

I don’t understand why they’ve changed it.

I had 2 types of advanced abnormal cells BUT tested negative for HPV. Would have I progressed to cancer with today’s test?!

I’ve had two smears with hpv detected. After the first I had a follow up appointment at the hospital even though there was no abnormal cells. Think the nurse was just being cautious. The next time (annual) it still said hpv was detected but no follow up asked for. I was due another annual test when I got pregnant. Then had a miscarriage. Waited a few months, was due to have a smear and then found out I pregnant again. Midwife advised I would just need one after giving birth. They don’t do anything now.