Do I need to have a smear test because I am planning to become pregnant?

[light22]

I am planning to become pregnant soon. Due to a long term medical condition I had to discuss and plan pregnancy with my doctor. My doctor says that I must have a smear test before becoming pregnant. Is this correct? Why? Has anyone else been told the same thing?

[stowsettler]

I've never heard of anyone 'having' to have a smear before TTC, but of course if it's done then you can be sure that all that area's been checked out good and proper before it becomes a no-go area for medical procedures. didn't quite work for me - I had a smear when I must've been about 3 weeks pregnant so if they'd found anything wrong I'd have been a nervous wreck for 8 months! Luckily they didn't

[Carren]

You don't have to do anything you don't want to, but if you're overdue for a smear test or are going to fall due within the next year it's definitely a good idea to have one. It's not ideal to have the test done while pregnant, because the results can be more difficult to interpret, and if you require treatment for anything, you won't be able to have it while pregnant, so it's a good idea to get a clean bill of health before you conceive. If you're never had one before, don't worry. I'd be lying if I said it was fun, but it doesn't hurt.