What does an Abnormal pap smear During Pregnancy Signify?

As soon as a woman touches the age of 21 or within 3 years of becoming sexually active, they are advised to get their pap smear done. Now let us find answers to the question are abnormal Pap smear during early pregnancy company. Just be aware of the fact that they are not diagnostic tools, but it does find out whether there are any abnormal cells in your cervix. If you are having these tests on a regular basis, you do increase the chances of early detection and treatment of the same.

Definition of an abnormal pap smear?

The moment you are told that you do have an abnormal pap smear during pregnancy you are anxious and worried. It indicates that you have abnormal cells in your cervix, but in no way points to the occurrence of cancer. What it does indicate that further round of testing may be needed to identify any problems. Are abnormal pap smears common during pregnancy and this does arise due to the following reasons?

·         Any form of infection of inflammation

·          Recent history of sexual activity

·         Presence of HPV

If the results have turned out to be positive then it does indicate abnormal Pap smear. It is a mere detection and in no way it can be said that you are cancer prone. It does point to the fact that further round of evaluation in the form of another abnormal pap smear or a colposcopy is needed. In the case of the latter you do look into the cervix with the aid of a microscope. Biopsy is also common where a small fraction of the tissue is being removed and then sends across for further evaluation. It does point to the presence of HPV if any.

One of the main causes of HPV has to be cervical cancer, but all pregnant women who have gone on to receive treatment of HPV do not have cervical cancer. The FDA in the year 2003 went on to approve a Pap smear test that could be done along with a pap test where presence of HPV cells could be detected. With the help of this test high risk HPV could be detected before it goes on to turn on to cancer cells. In fact this form of screening is recommended for all women who are above the age of 30 as the chances are greater where the HPV infection could turn into cancer cells.

Sometimes the sample of pap smears may turn out to be unsatisfactory because of vaginal douches or recent history of sexual activity on a large scale. Whatever may be the reason an abnormal pap smear is going to require another one shortly in the days to come?

To sum it up, on all counts it is safe to have an abnormal pap smear during the course of pregnancy. The only difference that you are likely to encounter is an increase in the levels of bleeding. But if you are due for one during pregnancy the doctor is going to perform it for sure.