abnormal smear test just before pregnant

[hippopo]

Hi,

This is first post after using website for last 4 weeks. I am 8 weeks pregnant after 2 1/2 years of trying and am over the moon but also a massive worrier naturally. We were actually about to start fertility treatment then it just happened!

Literally just before I got pregant (a matter of days) I had a smear test and just got letter today from GP saying they have found abnormal cells and am being referred to colposcopy dept of local hospital. Finally mananged to get hold of GP who is now trying to find out more info for me as letter was so vauge.

I have got myself into a right state about it and am trying to relax as it is not good for me and baby to get so stressed.

Does anyone have similar experience or advice or can offer reassurance.

Thanks

Just received called from GP who confirmed it is severe abnormality (CIN 3)that they have found. Am so worried and can't stop crying.

Hi,

I went through something similar although in the end I got the all clear before I got pregnant.

First off, CIN 3 does not necessarily mean CIN 3. They told me I had CIN 3, I then had an extensive cone biopsy which revealed CIN 1 only. So don't worry too much about the grade.

Second, you need to talk to a specialist (not your GP!) about the risks involved with having a colposcopy while pregnant. I actually can't remember if it's OK or not but I have an inkling that they leave the cervix alone when you're up the duff.

Third, CIN moves so slowly that you are unlikely to have much progression a year on from now. You will be referred for another smear 3 months (I think!) after you give birth. It may well be that the very act of giving birth gets rid of the offending cells.

In short, don't put your pregnancy at risk by having treatment. Be aware that the situation could be very different after you give birth.

And make sure you see a senior consultant - go private if necessary - I paid £300 to have my mind put at rest and it was the best money I ever spent.

Oh gosh you poor thing, I wish I could help you with information but I don't know much about this. I had a "borderline" smear test recently and that was bad enough, but luckily had another test after six months and things had returned to normal. You defintitely need some professional advice and hopefully your gp will able to help you more. In the meantime hopefully someone will come along with better advice than me...

Please try not to worry, I do not have direct experience, although have had abnormal smears and had treatment.

I am missing some smears due to current pregnancy but please speak go to appointment for colposcopy and have a chat. I am certain they will have come across this before.
They may monitor you closely throughout pregnancy and give treatment afterwards.

Hi Hippopo, I'm sorry can't help you with the medical side of things but didn't want you to feel alone. I hope someone with more knowledge comes along soon.

Did your doctor give you any more information as to what happens next?? Am wondering if you might get any support from a helpline geared towards this problem have found Jos trust on google, they provide 24 hour support. Contact details are:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +44 (0) 207 936 7498
Fax: +44 (0) 207 936 7598
Mob: +44 7980 720061

I hope you have someone available in RL to give you a hug.

I second Illuminasam - if you can afford it and you are not getting sufficient advice from NHS go private. This is not a time to be worrying and waiting- if someone can give you peace of mind then that is priceless.

Thank you so much for all your advice and reassurance.

DH found out that we are covered under his company medical insurance and have a private appointment on Friday.

Thanks again

Hi,

I had CIN 2 last year before becoming pregnant. I received the letter saying there was an abnormality and fortunately my appointment was the next day so I didn't have time to worry too much (easier said than done!)

I had the treatment the next day. Basically they numbed the area and used a laser loop to burn off a section of cells from my cervix. I think the cervix is about 2-4 cms thick and depending on the level you are diagnosed with determines how many layers they take off. The aftercare was pretty gross and it took about 6-8 weeks for the bleeding to stop (sorry if TMI).

The follow up care from the NHS is very good, I was retested 6 months later then a further 6 months after that. Now I'm tested yearly for the next 10 years.

Anyhow, I did read in amongst the literature that they don't tend to treat patients while they are pregnant. However they will monitor you throughout your pregnancy and treat you soon after birth. I agree with another poster, the situation doesn't change rapidly so don't be too alarmed about waiting until after the birth to get things sorted.

I know it's worrying but as soon as I mentioned it to a couple of people, I was surprised how common it is.

Hope this helps.

Hippopo,

I think the following link will serve to ease
your mind.

www.cancerhelp.org.uk/type/cervical-cancer/smears/pregnancy-and-abnormal-cervical-cells

Really good news that you have an appnt tomorrow. This is a condition which, while easily treatable, should be handled by a specialist and not a GP.

Best of luck and keep us posted.

Hi Hippopo,

Had exactly the same experience as you a couple of years back. I ended up going to the colposcopy clinic about three times throughout my pregnancy so that the could keep an eye on what was happening. At some point they also did a biopsy which I think I had when I was pregnant.

They were very relaxed about it- I only knew I had CIN3 because I peeked at my notes when the consultant popped out briefly otherwise no-one ever mentioned it.

In the end the process of giving birth got rid of the abnormal cells and I never had to have any treatment. (Saw the consultant 3 months after giving birth). Have had couple of smears since and all has been fine.

I found all the monitoring very reassuring - in fact the nurse that did my last smear was amazed at the number of smears I'd actually had in such a short space of time!!

Please don't worry too much.

Bx

Just to update I have my appointment tomorrow and am still freaking out as I am am worried they may find something more advanced but not long to wait now.

I also hope they may agree to check on baby when I am there too as that will put my mind at rest.

Will update more tomorrow afternoon,

Well not great news but not really, really bad either.

Turns out I have a very, very small area of CIN3 and if I wasn't pregnant I would be in next week having it removed and this is near enough 100% effective.

However because pregnant there is an element of risk to LO. Consultant took more samples and going back Wednesday to discuss what to do as Consultant really wants to treat now and not risk it developing while pregnant. My main concern is LO and also ensuring I am not sick or having to have more invasive treatment in 10 months time if I do wait. I also want to enjoy pregnancy and not have this 'hanging over me'.

Been feeling very very sorry for myself and quite lonely with it all. We also had a scan yesterday and baby doing really well with strong heart beat. So giving myself a kick up bum and reminding myself I have a much wanted and longed for LO growing inside me and that's amazing!

Hi,
Just wanted to share I'm in a similar position.

I had an abnormal smear about 6 months ago, followed by a colcoscopy which showed a small area of CIN 2 cells. As it was a small area they decided to retest in 6 weeks during which time I fell pregnant - they did the smear when I would have been about 3 weeks pregnant (obv I didnt know I was).

The smear came back CIN3 and I have an appointment next week for a colcoscopy which I have been assured is harmless in pregnancy.

I'm nearly 18 weeks pregnant now but I have also done a degree in this area and know how slowly CIN develops. I'm expecting to get the loop excision once I have the baby.

Please don't wrry too much, it's so unlikely to develop and they are very very careful to monitor you closely during pregnancy.

x

wow, seems that this situation is more common than I thought - I had a smear test before DH and I started trying, and the results took c. 2mths to come back advising me to have a precautionary follow-up smear in 6mths time ... but by that stage we were already pregnant.

My GP advised me tat I my case, it was ok to wait and have the re-test after the bub's born.

Hippopo - I hope you can put the worry aside and enjoy your pregnancy. Focus on the certain and the positive!