Should I be concerned?

Question

I went to my second prenatal app yesterday and I still not have a Pap smear or physical exam. He only asks me questions & talks about some stuff then checks the babies heart beat . He's a great doctor but should I be concerned that he should be doing more?

Answer

Have you had a pap within the last three years? Now that you're far enough along to hear the heartbeat he probably won't do a vaginal exam until later. My doctor does the same. Talks about my weight and symptoms and tests and checks the heartbeat and that's about it. She may start measuring my belly.

Answer

I'm 18 & I've never had a Pap smear before so that's why I was concerned. Maybe he's not giving me one cause I'm young? Or it's just not mandatory....

Answer

Mine did one on my very first visit but that's also because I hadn't had one in 2 years. Have you had one within the year? I thought they're supposed to do a culture anyway though to check for STDs etc so I would ask when you go in next time and say am I supposed to get a Pap smear?

Answer

The Papsmear guidelines have changed over the last 4 years or so,  you're supposed to get one every 3 years instead of every 1 year (unless you have a history of an abnormal pap or high grade HPV or of you have a new partner).  Some of the older docs still do it every year.  Sounds like your doc is exactly what he's supposed to do 😊.

Answer

When I got pregnant with my son in 2013 they did not do a pap bc I had just had one three months prior to conceiving and then I didn't go back after having him until I unexpectedly got pregnant again this March and since it had been over a year since my last one they did a pap. I think it just depends on when your last one was.

Answer

I had my app first appt. I say after the 3rd visit if you've not had one if request one or switch doctors.

Answer

I had one but only because my yearly was actually scheduled the week after my first appt.

Answer

If you've had a pap in the last year they may not do one. I had my pap at my 12 week scan because I hadn't had one in a little over a year. I have had an abnormal pap before so I get them every year.

Answer

My doctor didn't give me one, but I had one within a year of being pregnant, so she said there was no need for it at the beginning.

Should I be concerned?

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