Have you had a colposcopy and biopsy? Reassurance desperately needed!

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Hi all, I am currently 20 weeks pregnant and last July, had my latest smear. In October (around the same time I found out I was pregnant) I received my smear results which were positive for high risk HPV and abnormal cell changes and was referred to colposcopy.

Finally had my colposcopy yesterday- the Dr was great but not the chattiest and I didn't feel overly reassured (not her fault as busy doing her job- I know!) She said the changes were noted on my smear result as borderline. At colposcopy, she said at first the cervix looked fine, but then on putting in the chemical which allows her to see the changes, identified the area of abnormal cells which had been picked up on the smear. She said she could take a biopsy as I was 20 weeks pregnant and she had been tipped towards that decision to take it because it was in a location easy enough for her to take and because pregnancy can make things look a bit different. Results could take up to 12 weeks- treatment if required may be deferred until baby is born. I asked if there had been anything absolutely horrific if she would have seen it- she said she obviously couldn't be certain until results came back (I know she can't commit to saying absolutely nothing to worry about) but likely next steps could wait until birth of baby (or I may be asked to come back before birth for a check depending on results of biopsy.

I thought I felt ok about all of this- however, I really don't. I have woken up this morning with terrible anxiety and a headache and have hardly been able to think of anything else. Would she have seen if there was anything really urgent to worry about which required immediate treatment?

I know from my reading on MN that it seems like a fairly common procedure- is it? Have you had one? I would be really grateful to hear from anyone who has had to have the same and any positive experiences for some reassurance! I'm really trying to remain calm about this and focus on my pregnancy but I am having a terrible day.

Thank you so much in advance!

Just want to reassure you a bit, but please note that this is NOT medical advice!

We've recently been through this with a family member: first dodgy smear was CIN 1 due to HPV; six months later CIN 1&2 so colposcopy and biopsy ordered. Nothing sinister found so booked for a lletz procedure (simple removal of dodgy cells under local or general). It's a long waiting list but hopefully will be done within twelve months from the biopsy.

To help the family member I've done a lot of research (also an ex-nurse so know which websites to believe and which to discount!). Also have the ear of a senior gynae consultant so asked a few questions there. Essentially, CIN (even 3) is sometimes referred to as 'pre-cancerous', but this shouldn't cause alarm as, generally, the average time it takes to develop into cancer of the cervix is 23 years! (Latest stats from a reputable website.)

So, don't worry, but if my family member's experience is anything to go by, don't sit back either. If you don't hear anything/things aren't moving along as promised, keep onto the hospital. They should have a particular person responsible for booking each stage of your treatment.

Regarding the actual colposcopy, my family member managed it but does have health anxiety so felt quite unwell (more emotionally than physically, probably) afterwards (she could not have travelled home alone), so the decision has been made that she will have a general for the lletz procedure.