Why a pap?

[StacieM]

I've been reading lots of posts and women are saying their dr's did pap at their early visit. I know my dr usually does one too, BUT I just had one done in September - is there a reason to do another? I can't remember what happened before - I always thought it was mainly because I hadn't had one in a while and was due for one and better to do one then than later in pg.

[Michaels-Mommy]

Thats a good question. I know I'm always due one when I get preggers but I think I read it in one of my pregnancy books to but I can't remember the reason. I'll have to remember to look it up.

[Isaac'sMa]

I believe it's b/c pg can cause changes in your cervix (imagine that!) so most practitioners would like to have a baseline for what's normal for you. Also if you're due for your pap anyway, it would be useful to have the info just in case there were any unusual changes that might affect the pg/birth. Does that make sense?

[LittleBrownDog]

I had one at my first MW appt, but only because I hadn't had one since the beginning of pregnancy with DD, nearly 3 years ago. She asked if I'd had one recently (new MW for me) so I got the impression if I'd had one she wouldn't have done one?

[StacieM]

I understand the baseline thing, but I just had one 6 months ago. And this is the same dr that does one just about every year, so I would think they should have the "baseline" angel covered. For the first time, I'm not due for one while going in for my first pg/ob visit. I'm just wondering if they'll do one or if I can decline if they want to do one - OR - is there a good reason why I should get one?

[Apryl Srissa]

I've known mamas who refused them. I guess (heresay here lol) that there are a lot of false positives when pregnant, which leaves the mama stressed thinking something is wrong. Personally, my midwives know my parts pretty well, so I don't see a reason for it. Heck, if that was the only reason, they could do a cervical exam and not the pap, but the pap itself there is just no reason for to me. If it comes back positive, I would panic, and then be up for much more stressfull test to rule out the positive for cancer. I'd rather wait till I'm done being pregnant, then do it.

[*Lindsey*]

I was thinking the same thing, Stacie. I just had one in September, too and am hoping that I won't need one this time.

[Isaac'sMa]

Originally Posted by StacieM

I understand the baseline thing, but I just had one 6 months ago. And this is the same dr that does one just about every year, so I would think they should have the "baseline" angel covered. For the first time, I'm not due for one while going in for my first pg/ob visit. I'm just wondering if they'll do one or if I can decline if they want to do one - OR - is there a good reason why I should get one?

It seems like six months ago should be recent enough, right? If I were you, I would decline. I just had my first appt and had one, but I was also due for one. Even so, my MW gave me the option of waiting. In the end, the decision is yours regardless of what the practitioner says. If you're comfortable waiting, then wait! B/c of possible changes due to pg hormones etc, some women do get false positives and that can be nerve-wracking when there's nothing out of the ordinary happening anyway, just a normal, healthy pregnancy.

[StacieM]

Thanks ladies - I was just wondering if there was a good reason why I should NOT decline. Doesn't seem to be one though. I know it's ultimately my choice no matter what, but I just didn't want to decline if there was a very good reason to have one.

Lindsey - gosh you and I have more similarities than I thought. But I guess it would makes sense that you had a pap around that time too.

[*Lindsey*]

Stacie