Cervical Screening Test in Pregnancy

Can I have a cervical screening test when I am pregnant?

Short answer? Yes.  

*Spoiler alert - it is safe to have a CST when you're pregnant*

In this week's What I Know Now - The Suite Set Podcast, we talk all things Cervical Screening Test (CST) and pregnancy. You can download it here on apple or here on spotify.

When is the optimal time to get a CST or pap smear? 

Short answer? When your next one is scheduled.

In the podcast we go through some explainers of CST, and expand on the answers above. I know Podcasts are meant to be about true crime, I know, not paps smears and pregnancy, but this topic is too important not to soar up the podcast charts! 

The benefits of being on top of CST ( the new form of pap smear) far outweigh the uncomfortable bits.  In the past five years, the way CST are undertaken have changed so CST is a really good topic to add to your list of questions to ask your GP.

For information on how a CST works visit here
https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-cervical-screening-program/getting-a-cervical-screening-test/how-cervical-screening-works

Some extra information from The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 
https://ranzcog.edu.au/womens-health/patient-information-resources/cervical-screening-in-australia

This episode is fact-checked and supported by www.familyhq.com.au - thanks Liz and Sarah.