Re: safety of having pap smears. I hadn't had one for about 6 years so asked my GP a) if it was safe and b) if there was any treatment that could be undertaken during pregnancy anyway given that if the answer was no there seemed little point in having one then stressing about abnormal results through the rest of the pregnancy. My GP was reluctant to give me one and said no, I couldn't have treatment. I also asked my obstetrician. He said it was safe and yes, there was treatment that I could have if the test results were bad. So I think my GP was just nervous about poking around in there!
Had the pap, all came back good.
But in general, I found my first ever pap excruciating (and that was by a female doctor so you never can tell) and the rest have been fine. Not the most pleasant thing in the world, a bit uncomfortable but not actually painful.
And I agree with the other posters that your body's not really prepared for a pap - it's an intrusion whereas the body does all it can to push that baby out.
But if you're worried, certainly seek out reassurance from your obstetrician, midwife, birthing classes etc. etc.
Every single one of my paps (with a different doctor each time) has been painful so it probably is just me being tense and anxious. The doctor usually has to pry my knees apart LOL. It's good to know that the adrenaline during birth helps out in that department. I will definately read up on the hypnobirthing. Thanks!
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