Hi @LuckyStar511, I’m a gynaecologist. The colposcopy is simply a magnified look at your cervix - the nurse or doctor will insert a speculum and look at your cervix through a colposcope (magnifying eyepieces). You may also have a couple of different chemical solutions painted on the outside of the cervix, to show up any abnormal areas better. None of this hurts - just the usual stretchy discomfort of having a speculum for a few minutes. None of this is dangerous to your baby, or will bring on labour.
There are likely to be a couple of assistants in the room, and you may be offered a look at the cervix via a screen. Your legs will be up in supports, underwear and lower clothes off, and depending on the unit may keep your normal clothes on top, or sometimes be asked to change into a surgical gown.
I haven’t done colps for a few years, and can’t speak on behalf of who you will see - but it is highly unlikely anything else would be done on that day.
The clinician will be looking for appearances which may show PRE-cancerous cells. Very often, the appearance is normal, and nothing else needs doing - you will be discharged.
If you were not pregnant, any suspicious areas may then lead on to a biopsy of tissue on the same day - either a punch biopsy (few mm tiny sample if looks borderline), or a loop biopsy (few cm taken around cervical opening) if reasonably sure if abnormal appearance. A biopsy at 38 weeks would have risks of infection, stimulating labour, complicating cervical dilatation, so as I said very unlikely.
An ectropion is when the cervix turns outwards a little, so the cells are more fragile, and more prone to bleeding. That’s present in 1/4 to 1/3 of women, and usually women are unaware. It does not need treating unless you are having persistent bleeds in between periods, or after sex. They are nothing to do with cancerous change. However, it’s excellent that you are being investigated further, as a matter of precaution, as bleeds can (uncommonly) also be a symptom of precancerous cells.
Ectropions are more likely if you are pregnant (or on combined hormonal contraception), and may well revert back to normal once you’ve had your baby. They often bleed more than usual in pregnancy, due to the vastly increased blood flow to the uterus.
It can be difficult sometimes to assess the cervix in pregnancy, so it might be that you are asked to return for another colposcopy 6-8 weeks after giving birth, if needed. A biopsy could be done at that stage if needed.
A biopsy is usually done with a local anaesthetic injection into the cervix, so mild-moderate pain for a few minutes only. No drowsiness.
iI would suggest for all colposcopies, make sure you’ve had something to eat/drink 1-2 hours prior, as occasionally can make you feel a bit dizzy or nauseous, especially as you are (naturally) anxious. Wear bottoms that you can easily get on and off (no jumpsuits or leather trousers!)
For any later appointments after you’ve had your baby and a biopsy may be done, you’re usually advised to take oral painkillers, and can bring someone to wait outside and drive you home if you feel unwell.
Wishing you all the best, and hope both the colposcopy and your birth go well