In the UK, cervical cancer is very rare. To reduce the risk of developing cancer even further, women are offered regular testing to detect changes in the cervix (neck of the womb) at a stage before they become cancerous. The sample that is taken from the cervix is known as a smear test. If your smear test is abnormal, you may be referred for an investigation called a colposcopy, which is a more detailed look at the cervix.

Most women in the UK start having smears by the age of 25. Therefore, it is not unusual to be called for a smear test or to be asked to attend colposcopy during pregnancy. 

If you are asked to come for a routine smear test while you are pregnant, you should put it off until after your baby is born. You should let your GP know you have delayed the test so that you can be invited again. This appointment will usually be 3 months after your baby is due. 

If it is not a routine smear, but a repeat smear after a previous abnormality, that you have been called for during pregnancy, then you should still have your smear during pregnancy. The best time to have it done is between 3 and 6 months of pregnancy. 

Sometimes women become pregnant in between having their smear test and finding out the results. If colposcopy has been recommended, it is important that you still attend your appointment even though you are pregnant. Colposcopy will not harm your baby and can provide valuable and reassuring information. 

A mildly abnormal smear is likely to get better by itself and you may be being monitored just to make sure all is well. If this is the case, you should notify your colposcopy clinic and you will be given an appointment for 3 months after your baby has been born. 

Your follow-up at colposcopy can usually wait until after you have had your baby if this will be your first follow-up appointment and your original treatment was for a mild abnormality called CIN I this will be your first follow-up appointment, your original treatment was for a more severe abnormality called CIN 2 or CIN 3 and your doctor was sure all the abnormal areas were treated this is any time after your first follow-up appointment, so long as you have not missed any appointments and your smear tests are up to date and normal. 

There are two circumstances, however, where you should still attend for review, even if you are pregnant: if your original treatment was for an abnormality called cGIN, if you had the abnormality called CIN 2 or CIN 3 but your doctor was not sure whether all the abnormal cells were removed. 

If you are unsure about your treatment, contact your colposcopy clinic who will have the appropriate information on record and will be able to advise you on what to do. 

Hope you found this information helpful.