Everyone must undergo periodic health checkups to detect various health issues early. A Pap smear test is one such routine health checkup. This test is required to assess the health of the cervix and reproductive organs. Prevention or early detection of abnormalities always helps improve the quality of life. Know more about the importance of pap smear tests for a woman and its significance during pregnancy.
A Pap smear test is a simple investigative procedure. This, often known as a Pap test, is done by gynaecologists to check the health of the cervix, which is the opening to the uterus. This test is recommended periodically and is considered important as:
● After a certain age, usually after 21 years, the changes in the body take place quietly. These changes can also affect the cervix, and hence, the changes in the cervical cells need to be observed.
● The changes in the cells need to be analysed to rule out the existence of cancerous or precancerous cells.
● It helps to detect any issues related to reproductive organs.
● It helps to find any potential infection or inflammation in the reproductive organs.
Hence, this test needs to be considered part of routine health checks, as early detection of cancer or any other condition can not only save a life but also help improve the quality of life.
During pregnancy, expectant mothers need to be in their best health to deliver a healthy baby. This is the time when the body changes happen frequently and quickly that are induced by hormonal changes. Hence, a Pap smear test is recommended for those who have not been through a cervical examination in the immediate past.
It might sound strange and worrisome to hear about undergoing a Pap test while pregnant. This is because one may not be sure of the impacts of the test on the unborn child, or one may be worried about the outcome of the test. Get to know more about the test to clear the myths around it.
Expectant mothers are recommended to undergo a Pap smear test if there has been a longer gap since the previous checks or if they haven't done one at all. As per norms, these tests are incorporated during the prenatal screening checks within the first trimester. This is to detect any abnormal cell growth in the cervix or any potential infection, like ones caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), that is a threat to the baby’s development. Detection of possible abnormalities early helps expectant mothers recover and regain their health.
This is a small procedure in which the medical practitioner takes cells from around the cervix using specialised tools like a spatula or a brush. These cells are checked to detect issues. This procedure is not time-consuming and does not cause pain.
Does the Pap smear during pregnancy affect the unborn baby? It is quite natural for an expectant mom to be haunted by this thought. The answer is 'no'; the Pap smear doesn't cause any harm to the baby as the practitioner is going to take the sample only from the outside of the cervix using the right tools. The tools are not going to harm the baby as the baby is tugged up in the uterus. Also, it is very important to remember that these are done to keep both the baby and mom safe.
It is necessary to know what to expect after the procedure. The procedure involves scraping a few cells from the cervix area, which is rich with blood vessels. Hence, one might expect very light bleeding or spotting and slight discomfort. The bleeding and discomfort disappear gradually, and this has no impact on the unborn baby. Still, if one feels worried at any point or one feels strange, or the bleeding persists for a prolonged period, it is always good to be in touch with the practitioner and talk to them for clarification.
There is no need to panic thinking about abnormal results during a Pap test. An issue reported during a Pap smear test doesn't have to refer to cervical cancer. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can result in an abnormal Pap smear during pregnancy. In a few cases, it could be an HPV infection or inflammation of the reproductive organs. Abnormal results might call for further checks like a biopsy to examine the cervical tissue and a colposcopy, where the practitioner checks the cervical area. One might need to check with the practitioner for further advice upon an abnormal result.
In short, a Pap smear test is essential during pregnancy, especially to rule out possible infections that could be dangerous for the unborn child. Early signs of infections, inflammations or precancerous cells can be figured out easily during the first trimester of pregnancy. This, in turn, helps the practitioner decide on a treatment plan that is good for expecting mothers.
It is important to know about the medical tests before one signs up for them. Especially during pregnancy, expectant mothers might experience more anxiety and stress from undergoing any sort of procedure. Most pregnant women can undergo a pap smear without complications, though your doctor will assess individual health circumstances to ensure proper timing and technique. Go through this blog to clear out all the doubts about the Pap test by answering all the “whys” and to find the answer to the question “Is the Pap smear safe during pregnancy?" Please note that a Pap test is required during pregnancy and it is safe to undergo one. It is great to keep in touch with the medical practitioner at all stages to gain confidence.
