Colposcopy During Pregnancy: What to Expect & What It Means

Question
I just found out this week that I am 6 weeks pregnant.  When I went in to my Dr.s office to confim the pregnancy I was told that my pap smear that I had at the beginning of this month was atypical, and that my Dr. wanted to do a colposcopy at my 8 week check up.  He said that my cervix was a little inflammed and that he just wanted to check it out.  I have never had a abnormal papsmear and I am worried what this could be, and if it could make me possibly lose the baby I am carrying.  It was 2 weeks after my papsmear that I was in the Dr.s office.  If there were abnormal results why wasn't I contacted by the office at that time?  Just need a little info to ease my mind.  Thanks for your help.
Natalie

Answer
Usually, if there is an abnormal PAP smear during pregnancy, we perform a colposcopy but do not take any biopsies. A colposcopy is merely an exam with a microsope that magnifies the cervix 17 times. It does not cause any harm to the pregnancy. A PAP snear is a test for cervical cancer. It will show a progression of cervical changes. These are Normal, Atypical Cells of Undetermined Significance,Low grade lesion, High grade lesion, carcinoma in situ, and cancer. After the pregnancy, you should have a repeat PAP smear and, if it is again abnormal, you should also have a HPV-DNA test (for human papillomavirus) and a colposcopy with a biopsy. An abnormal PAP will not interfere with your pregnancy or your baby. Don't worry. Once a PAP smear is taken, it takes 10-12 days before they get the results. I guess they figured that you would be back in a few days and would discuss it with you at that time. Good luck with your pregnancy.