Just as when you're not pregnant, a Pap test (also known as a Pap smear) checks for abnormal changes in your cervical cells. It can help detect cervical cancer and certain infections, including some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — and it's perfectly safe for you and your baby.

Here's what to know about when you'll have a Pap smear during pregnancy and why it's important.

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Key Takeaways
  • Pap smears are a safe and important part of prenatal care. Your provider may perform one during pregnancy to check for abnormal cervical cells, cervical cancer, or sexually transmitted infections.
  • The procedure is basically the same as a routine Pap test. A Pap smear during pregnancy is performed the same way as a regular exam, using a speculum and a small brush to collect cervical cells. The test does not increase the risk of miscarriage, though light spotting afterward is common.
  • An abnormal result doesn't usually mean cancer or pregnancy complications. Pregnancy-related hormonal changes, infections, irritation, and benign growths can all cause abnormal Pap results. If needed, your provider may perform a colposcopy for a closer look.

When are Pap smears done during pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant and haven’t had a Pap smear in the last few years, your practitioner will probably recommend you get one during your first prenatal visit. Some providers include it as part of your routine prenatal tests and screenings regardless of when you’ve last had one.

(In general, Pap smears are recommended every three years for most women, though your screening schedule depends on your age and previous results.[1])

If you’ve had consistently normal Pap smear results and you're due for your next screening during pregnancy, your practitioner may recommend waiting until the second trimester or after you give birth.

Just as when you’re not expecting, a Pap smear during pregnancy can detect any abnormal cervical changes. It may also help identify certain sexually transmitted and other infections.

Wondering what other tests are coming up? Download the free What to Expect app to track your pregnancy week by week and see which prenatal screenings you can expect next.

"I've had one every pregnancy," says What to Expect Community mom aprilmartinez491. "It was quick and easy. Uncomfortable, but I'd rather be safe than sorry."

How are Pap smears done during pregnancy?

Because it's typically part of your well-woman exam, you’re likely already aware of how the Pap smear procedure goes. A Pap test during pregnancy is pretty much the same:

  • You'll lie on your back with your feet in stirrups (not fun, but at least it's familiar).
  • Your practitioner will insert a speculum into your vagina to get a clear view of your cervix.
  • They'll gently use a small brush to collect cervical cells, which are sent to a laboratory to be cultured and analyzed.

"Just had mine yesterday. It's annoying, but I know it's for my health," says Community mom Dnis303.

Is it safe to get a Pap smear during pregnancy?

Don’t worry: It’s perfectly safe to have a Pap smear while you’re pregnant, and it doesn’t increase your risk of miscarriage.

Just so you’ll know in advance: Some women experience spotting or light bleeding after a Pap test. The same can happen after a pelvic exam or sex during pregnancy. That’s because pregnancy makes the cervix more sensitive and increases blood flow to the area.

Usually, light bleeding after a Pap exam is nothing to worry about. It can last for one to two days and should turn brown-colored quickly. If you're concerned or the bleeding becomes heavier, check in with your practitioner.

"I got a Pap smear when I was 8 weeks pregnant," says Community mom Marirain2. "It did make me spot for two days very lightly, but they told me I would. Everything was okay and it was quick."

What sexually transmitted diseases does the Pap smear detect?

Because many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) don't cause symptoms, all pregnant women are screened for certain infections, including:

Many women are also tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Some STIs require a blood test to diagnose them in addition to the vaginal exam.

If you test positive for an STI, rest easy knowing that most are completely treatable, even during pregnancy. For example:

  • If you have a bacterial infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, you'll take a pregnancy-safe antibiotic before giving birth. Your partner may also need to take antibiotics to avoid reinfecting you.
  • If you have genital warts that don't seem to be clearing up on their own, your practitioner can safely remove them with freezing, electrical heat, or laser therapy. If they're not impacting your pregnancy, treatment may be delayed until after delivery. Genital warts rarely affect your ability to have a vaginal birth. And don't worry — it’s highly unlikely that you’ll pass on human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes genital warts, to your baby.

What happens if my Pap smear during pregnancy is abnormal?

If your Pap test results are abnormal, your practitioner may recommend a colposcopy, an exam where your practitioner takes a closer peek at your cervix. If additional procedures are needed, they're often postponed until after your baby is born unless there's an urgent reason to do them sooner.

"I had an abnormal Pap with my daughter, and they ended up doing a colposcopy while I was pregnant," says Community member kay124445. "I was nervous, but the biopsy was super small, and everything came back fine."

Try not to worry if abnormal cells are found. An abnormal Pap test can sometimes be from:

Although a Pap test is probably one of those things you don’t look forward to, it’s worth the few minutes of discomfort. Along with your other prenatal screenings, it helps your practitioner monitor your health throughout pregnancy and support the healthiest possible outcome for you and your baby.