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Cervical Biopsy During Pregnancy



 Submitted by Medical Health Test Team on July 9, 2010
Cervical Biopsy In Pregnancy

The cervix is a part of the female reproductive system. It is located above the vagina and below the uterus. Some of the cervix is visible during normal examination of the vagina by a gynecologist, while the upper portion is hidden from view. The cervix is the part of the reproductive system that is associated with menstrual cramping. This is because the cervix tends to dilate and extend itself a little during menstruation. The dilation and extension of the cervix allows endometrial lining of the uterus to shed easily. This shedding is a normal function of the female reproductive system. Cervical cancer is a common form of cancer that affects women. It can strike at any age but tends to occur around the age of menopause or slightly after that for women. As with all forms of cancer, early detection is essential for proper and effective treatment to begin. For this reason, an early diagnosis is essential.

During a regular health checkup a woman should have her reproductive system checked as well. This is a healthy practice for all women as it would help identify any abnormal conditions well before they could worsen. When the cervix is viewed, it might appear abnormal to the doctor. This prompts the doctor to conduct a cervical biopsy, especially when an abnormal mass is detected in the area. The infection of the woman’s reproductive system with the human papillomavirus is said to be one of the primary causes for cancer in the cervix.

During pregnancy, routine health checkups are conducted. One of the routine tests is a Pap smear which is conducted around the reproductive tract to check for any abnormalities. If any abnormality has been detected, a biopsy can be performed. It is advisable to perform the biopsy during the early part of the 2nd trimester. This is because the chance of spontaneous miscarriage is low and the chance of inducing labor is nil. If the Pap smear is abnormal but not indicative of an invasive cancer, then the biopsy can wait until after the baby has been delivered and the woman is recovering from her pregnancy. The risk of a spontaneous miscarriage in the first trimester is not necessarily linked to a biopsy. However, the risk is already present and if a biopsy is followed by a miscarriage, it may be alleged that the biopsy has a link with the miscarriage. It is hence prudent to avoid a biopsy during the first trimester of pregnancy.

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