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Is there a difference in getting a pap test when you are pregnant or not?

I need to know the answer to this question. When I had my very first pap test, it was very painful for me. It wasn't until I became 5 months pregnant that I had another one. I was very scared; however I felt nothing and got along great. It has been a very long time that I have had a pap test, but I'm too scared to get one. I had both of my sons Cesarean; the first was breech the whole nine months and weighed 8lbs. 15 ozs. Would this have anything to do with it? Also neither pap test was given by the same doctor. Could it be different doctors?

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  • 1 decade ago
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    These days, there should be no difference between getting a Pap smear when your pregnant or not. Most clinics use liquid based Pap smears that are not effected by hormones or infections. If your doctor uses the old slide method, then it can be affected by pregnancy.

    As far as who does pap smears better, it's a matter of technique. Some patient's I've done paps on, say it wasn't bad at all, and some squirm in pain. Too many factors can affect this part of your exam, size of the speculum, use of lubrication etc.

    Source(s): I'm a doc.
  • 1 decade ago

    A pap smear shouldnt hurt, it should just be uncomfortable and a little embarrasing (well it is for me).

    I havent had kids so I cant tell you if I have felt a difference between being pregnant and not.

    It could be the doctor was better the second time around, you were more relaxed as you had had a test before and knew what it entailed.

    When you are nervous you will clench the muscles of your pelvis, which makes it harder for the Doc to insert the scraper, and this would have made it more painful for you.

  • 1 decade ago

    Paps only hurts if you have a inconsiderate Doctor. It has nothing to do with your kid being breech. My daughter was breech until a week before I had her. I am 30 weeks pregnant with my son and he is doing the same thing. It's just according to how they want to lay. Whatever is comfortable, or like in my case they start getting so big before they turn they run out of room to move.

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