PAP

[Cellist]

I knew I should have just said no to the pap smear ("they" said I needed one, but I know I didn't)....but I let the NP do it yesterday and of course bled after it and am still passing brown old-blood discharge which is freaking me out, just like I thought it would.

Anyone else had one while pregnant and bled a little (like just a little pink on the tissue when you wiped) and then had the brown stuff for a day or more after??????

[bluebutterfly]

With my first, I had a pap smear done before I knew I was pregnant (it was just shortly after conception) so I didn't have to worry about it during pregnancy.  This time around, it is exactly the opposite.   I was due for one right when I found out I was pregnant. I'm hoping my midwife will be okay with me waiting until baby is born.   Technically, after age 30, if you've had consistently normal paps, you only need them every three years. The cervix is just much more sensitive and more prone to bleeding during pregnancy.  I just really don't like the idea of messing with it even IF it is supposed to be safe to do while pregnant.

All that said, as long as the bleeding doesn't increase, turn bright again, etc. I'd try to relax (easier said than done, I know) and give it a couple days.

[WaitingForKiddos]

I had a gush of bright red blood after my u/s at 6 weeks. Turned brown and then tan and now is just hardly there...more like little flecks of tan. All only once or twice a day when I wipe. I SO want another u/s but it's not worth the blood freak out.

[happyblessedmama]

yes. I decline paps during pregnancy, "routine" or not, because I had bleeding after a pap once - I believe with my 4th child. Not worth the stress to me as I have never had an abnormal pap, and do not have HPV.

[SparklingGemini]

I'm sorry you had to deal with a bit of bleeding.  I've heard that's very common in pregnancy because of all the excess blood in the cervix and how sensitive it is.

I decline pregnancy PAPs too.  My midwives are actually strongly against them in pregnancy because any treatment for an abnormal result can't be used until you are postpartum any how.

[Cellist]

Thanks, all.  I had a midwifery group last pregnancy and LOVED how much more hands-off they were than this OB practice.  My insurance changed, though, and the midwifery group "can't" take me anyway because of my c-section.  BOO.

Even my old family practice doc only made me have one every two years...

ARGH.  I am a social worker and a good advocate for my clients, but a terrible one for myself!  I should have just said no. bah, bah and bah.  But the bleeding was only one full 24 hours all told, so I'm OK again.  Thanks, all.

[cameragirl]

I've read that some doctors postpone the PAP until the second trimester if it is due, just to avoid spotting. It causes mothers to worry, and usually it can be held off for long enough that there is no reason to not wait.

[Cellist]

Yeah, my family prac doc always said I could wait 2 years between paps - I am married, do not cheat (and neither does he) and over 30.  But alas, I'm dealing with an OB this time; much different philosophy!

[cameragirl]

I like how some doctors just assume that someone is cheating and mandate the test. My sister has been with the same OB for years, and she got a lot of flack when she delivered her last. She refused the STD tests during pregnancy, and the L&D team was NOT happy about it.

[3timesamom]

Yeah I had to have one today! Today is my bday, we had no power, (thanks Irene) and frankly just a bad visit in general. I mean nothing wrong with baby but OB's tend to work in worse case. Its overwhelming! They even have me in testing for downs for baby. The fetal specialists said I have a "normal" baby so far and they wouldn't have seen any indication for the additional testing.

So basically in went in on my Bday, wore paper, got a pap to be sure I don't have some sexually transmistted goodness (because that couldn't possibly wait! LOL) and told that they would like to look at induction. Evidently if you labor quickly and without incident they like to induce you and force a labor on your body. Possibly a Csect. WOW I can't get in touch with the midwife fast enough!

[Cellist]

3timesamom, they are ALREADY talking INDUCTION for you?   I do NOT understand that at all.  I am so sorry.  I'm glad you have a midwife to call upon.  Thank goodness!!!!

[lizsky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cellist 
ARGH.  I am a social worker and a good advocate for my clients, but a terrible one for myself!  I should have just said no. bah, bah and bah.  But the bleeding was only one full 24 hours all told, so I'm OK again.  Thanks, all.

I totally relate.  Also a social worker (well currently a SAHM, but pre-baby I was one!), and even though I *should* be a great advocate for myself I really struggle with it.  I wish I had declined my pap as well, but consented since it had been 2 years since the last one...but I have had 10+ years of normal results so I'm sure it would have been fine for me to wait until I'm not pregnant.  Oh well.  

I'm glad your bleeding stopped and I wish you all the best as you navigate decision-making and self-advocacy with your new healthcare providers.  

[3timesamom]

Yes the more people I tell I about this the more I am secure in my decision! Even my medically minded friends tend to agree with me!

[Cellist]

lizsky, I wish we could afford for me to be a SAHM!!!  I wish I could join you, but need at least some kind of job and SW pays better than anything else I am qualified for at the moment (ironically, perhaps? lol)...