Is it safe to have a smear test during pregnancy?
Patient: Hi my sisiter was given a smear test when she went to the hospital with stomach pain she was 23 +4 weeks a few hours later she went into labour and gave birth to a baby girl that died 47 mins after birth my question is can a smear test bring on labour and it is normaal to have a smear test while pregnant Doctor: Hi there,,Usually smear test is advised after 25 years of age in women who are sexually active. It is not advised in pregnancy unless a previous smear test was abnormal and she was asked to repeat it.Smear test are non urgent unless a previous one has been abnormal and can be postponed to be done after delivery.But, it is not possible for a smear test to cause labour to start.The smear test just takes cells from the outer part of the cervix and does not affect the pregnancy.The smear test is not done in pregnancy as the pregnancy hormones could cause an incorrect reading of the test not because it is harmful to the pregnancy.It is really unfortunate that your sister lost her baby, but preterm labour labour and delivery could be due to some other cause, which needs to be evaluated as it could be helpful for her next pregnancy.Hope this helps.Regards.