Pregnancy time colposcopy uterus cervix. Colposcopy during pregnancy: features of the examination

Cervical erosion often progresses during gestation, so colposcopy during pregnancy is required to diagnose the pathology and obtain information about possible changes in the vaginal walls.

Why is colposcopy prescribed during pregnancy?

Colposcopy of the cervix is a diagnostic measure aimed at identifying pathological changes that during pregnancy pose a danger to the normal development of the fetus. In addition to erosion, examination with a colposcope is prescribed for suspected dysplasia, leukoplakia, in the presence of neoplasms, or if the vascular pattern is disturbed.

The entire procedure is carried out using a special optical device, a colposcope, which allows you to obtain more information about the condition of the cervix than with a standard gynecological examination with a speculum.

The reason for prescribing colposcopy mainly lies in the damaged epithelial layer, when the doctor himself cannot give a more accurate assessment. Also, a diagnostic procedure in the early stages of pregnancy is required in the presence of specific symptoms:

pain during sexual intercourse or after it;
spotting blood;
feeling of discomfort in the vagina (itching and burning);
nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
rashes of various types on the external genitalia.

Due to the fact that recently the risk of developing pathologies during pregnancy has increased significantly, colposcopy must be done at an early stage. In the later stages, any manipulation around the cervix can lead to damage and subsequent bleeding. Therefore, colposcopy is needed before planning a pregnancy in order to carry out all diagnostic procedures and drug therapy in advance.

Is it possible to have a colposcopy during pregnancy?

Colposcopy for pregnant women is carried out under the close supervision of doctors and only with the consent of the woman. When the question arises about whether colposcopy can be done during pregnancy, the answer depends on the patient’s condition and the presence of complaints.

If there is a threat of miscarriage, then it is better to refuse the procedure, since colposcopy is dangerous due to the formation of bleeding and spontaneous interruption of intrauterine development.

In the last three months, colposcopy of the cervix can have serious consequences, therefore, during this period, manipulations are carried out only for serious indications. This is due to the fact that as the fetus forms and develops, the number of blood vessels increases, and any external intervention can provoke heavy bleeding.

It is worth noting that, according to statistics, the need for sutures occurs in less than 1% of patients. Therefore, colposcopy becomes a very important event for further treatment, as it provides the opportunity for an accurate diagnosis.

Preparation and performance of colposcopy

All manipulations during colposcopy are usually painless, but before performing it, preparation is required, which includes the following recommendations:

It is advisable to exclude sexual activity for 2-3 days;
on the eve of the study, stop using local medications (suppositories, ointments, suppositories);
For intimate hygiene, use only warm, clean water before the procedure.

As the examination proceeds, the pregnant woman may feel some pressure and discomfort caused by the insertion of the colposcope and speculum. This is a completely normal phenomenon; in order to minimize discomfort, you need to relax as much as possible.

After all the manipulation actions, a small amount of vaginal smear may be detected, which will be considered a variant of the norm. The situation is determined by the reaction of the mucous membrane to certain chemical reagents.

Colposcopy is a method of examining the vaginal part of the cervix using a special device under magnification. The procedure is virtually painless for the woman, does not pose a danger to the fetus and is performed according to indications at any stage of pregnancy. Timely colposcopy allows you to identify changes in the cervix in the early stages, determine their nature and severity of the lesion, and also select the optimal treatment regimen based on the data obtained.

Indications during pregnancy

Colposcopy is not a routine examination method, and the procedure is prescribed only after consulting a doctor. If, when examining the vagina and cervix in the speculum, the doctor notices suspicious formations, he has grounds to refer the woman for additional examination. The following conditions may be reasons for colposcopy:

Erosion of the cervix, visible in speculums.
Polyp of the cervical canal.
Bloody discharge from the genital tract, when no other cause for this phenomenon has been identified, and there is reason to suspect cervical pathology.
Chronic cervicitis with frequent exacerbations.
Any suspicious formation on the vaginal part of the cervix, the type of which cannot be determined without special tests.

Colposcopy is also prescribed after treatment as a control examination. The procedure does not affect the condition of the fetus or the tone of the uterus, is considered completely safe and can be performed at any stage of pregnancy.

The main purpose of colposcopy is to find out what the pathological focus on the cervix is. It is impossible to visually distinguish true erosion or ectopia from dysplasia or carcinoma. The detection of malignant and precancerous conditions in the early stages deserves special attention. According to statistics, cervical cancer is detected in 1-4% of pregnant women, and often the pathology is detected in the later stages. With timely diagnosis, there is a very high chance of noticing the process at the initial stages and preventing its spread.

It is important to know: colposcopy together with ultrasound can distinguish bleeding from damaged cervical erosion from signs of placental abruption during pregnancy. Each of these conditions makes itself felt by bloody vaginal discharge, and only an instrumental examination allows a correct diagnosis to be made.

Contraindications

Colposcopy is not performed in the following situations:

Individual intolerance to iodine and/or acetic acid (for an extended procedure).
Recovery period of the cervix: the first 8 weeks after destructive treatment (“cauterization”).

Colposcopy is also not performed in the first 6 weeks after birth.

Preparation for the procedure

Refuse sexual intercourse.
Stop using any vaginal suppositories, creams, gels.

The procedure is usually not done in the presence of bloody discharge (for example, due to an incipient miscarriage), however, if necessary, the doctor conducts an examination in such conditions. Bloody discharge makes it difficult to clearly see the mucous membrane of the organ and can lead to an incorrect diagnosis. These restrictions are not considered if colposcopy is performed specifically for bleeding erosion or cervical polyp.

Before performing a colposcopy, the doctor usually takes a smear for oncocytology (Papanicolaou test) to microscopically assess the condition of the organ mucosa. Material for research can also be taken directly during colposcopy before using a solution of iodine or acetic acid. A smear for oncocytology allows you to evaluate the structure of the pathological focus and identify precancerous and cancer cells. All women, including during pregnancy, are recommended to have a Pap test annually.

Colposcopy technique

A colposcope is an optical system mounted on a tripod. The device has its own light source and allows you to examine the tissue of the cervix under magnification. In clinical practice, 15-40x magnification is usually used.
Colposcopy is performed in the procedure room. During the manipulation, the woman is in a regular gynecological chair. No anesthesia is required. The device is installed at a distance of 25 cm from the visible part of the cervix. Inspection of the area of interest is carried out sequentially from one area to another in a clockwise direction.

There are two options for performing colposcopy:

Simple (survey) colposcopy - without treating the surface of the cervix with special substances. It is carried out as an approximate express method, as well as in case of intolerance to iodine solution or vinegar.
Extended colposcopy - examination of the ectocervix using dyes and performing vascular tests. This is the most common option, allowing you to fully assess the condition of the cervix and identify pathology.

A simple colposcopy is an examination of the cervix under magnification. During the procedure, the following parameters are assessed:

shape of the cervix and external os;
condition and color of the mucous membrane;
the presence of cervical ruptures, cysts, papillomas and other formations;
state of the border of cylindrical and multilayered squamous epithelium (transformation zone);
the nature of the vascular pattern;
relief of the mucous membrane and its features;
the nature of discharge from the cervical canal.

To thoroughly assess the condition of the mucous membrane of the cervix, an examination is carried out through colored filters (usually green). If a woman does not have a reaction to iodine and vinegar, a simple colposcopy becomes an extended one.

Technique for extended colposcopy:

Treatment of the vaginal part of the cervix with acetic acid (3% solution). Under the influence of this substance, the mucous membrane of the organ changes: reversible swelling occurs, mucus coagulation and contraction of nearby vessels occur. The effect is observed 30 seconds after applying the solution and lasts up to 5 minutes. Vinegar is not dangerous to the fetus as it does not enter the bloodstream.
Evaluation of vascular response to treatment with acetic acid. Normal vessels narrow sharply and disappear from the doctor’s field of vision for 5 minutes, while newly formed (neoplastic) vessels do not have a muscle layer and do not contract. The disappearance of the vascular pattern is regarded as a positive reaction to vinegar, the preservation is negative (no reaction).
Treatment of the cervix with 3% Lugol's solution (Schiller test). Normally, the vaginal part of the cervix should have stratified squamous epithelium, and it is always stained dark brown by Lugol. The pathologically altered epithelium is not able to absorb the solution and therefore does not stain. The Schiller test makes it possible to outline the boundaries of the pathological focus, but does not make it possible to understand its nature. To accurately assess the affected area, a biopsy is necessary.

Colpomicroscopy is a special type of procedure in which the mucous membrane is examined under a magnification of 160-280 times. The technique is a lifetime histological analysis of the epithelium. The device is brought close to the cervix, and the doctor evaluates the structural features of the cells. The technique is very informative, but has some limitations:

Technically impossible in case of vaginal stenosis and severe bleeding of cervical tissue.
Does not diagnose carcinoma in situ and invasive cervical cancer (biopsy required).

Decoding the results

The assessment of identified changes is carried out according to the generally accepted scheme proposed by the International Federation of Cervical Diseases in 1990 in Rome. In 2011, the classification was revised and approved at the congress in Rio de Janeiro.

General provisions:

The results indicate whether the colposcopic picture is adequate or inadequate. The latter option is possible if an objective assessment of the condition of the mucous membrane is difficult due to pronounced scars, bleeding, inflammatory changes, etc.
The transformation zone is determined: visualized completely or partially, not visualized.

Observation after colposcopy

On the first day after the procedure, a woman may have moderate or scanty brown discharge (after treatment with iodine). No treatment is required - all symptoms will go away on their own within 1-2 days. If bloody or purulent discharge occurs after colposcopy, you should consult a doctor.

The analysis results are interpreted by a gynecologist. Based on the data obtained, the doctor makes a diagnosis and determines treatment tactics:

If signs of chronic cervicitis are detected, local treatment is indicated taking into account the identified pathogens. Additionally, material is taken for bacteriological culture to determine the sensitivity of the detected microorganisms to antibiotics.
If cervical dysplasia is detected, observation is indicated: during pregnancy, destructive treatment is not carried out.
If a polyp of the cervical canal is detected, it can be removed after childbirth. If the polyp is decidual, treatment is not indicated - such a formation disappears on its own after the birth of the child.
In the case of precancerous conditions and cervical cancer, the issue of treatment is decided individually, taking into account the severity of the process.

Practicing gynecologists consider colposcopy the main method for detecting cervical diseases. Timely diagnosis allows you to detect the pathological process in time, carry out the necessary treatment and avoid serious health problems.

Colposcopy is a diagnostic method that allows you to identify the presence of gynecological diseases. Women are recommended to undergo this procedure annually for preventive purposes. What to do if a colposcopy is prescribed during pregnancy? How safe is this procedure for the mother and her baby? Let's try to find out together.

What is colposcopy?

This is a diagnostic method that uses a special optical device () and solutions of coloring substances. All this is necessary for examining the cervix and vagina. Also, during colposcopy, organic material can be collected for histological and cytological examination. Colposcopy allows you to timely identify various pathologies of the genital organs, including neoplasms.

Doctors distinguish between two types of colposcopy: simple and extended. The first technique is carried out only with the help of a device, without the use of special solutions. And during extended colposcopy, the doctor uses solutions of acetic acid or iodine, which help identify some gynecological diseases.

It is worth noting that this procedure is painless. But is it safe during pregnancy? We asked our experts to answer this question.

Pregnancy and colcoscopy: expert opinion

The average duration of this study is from 10 to 20 minutes. The examination is carried out on a gynecological chair, the same as during a regular examination. A gynecologist performing colposcopic examinations has a device next to his chair, with which the doctor evaluates the condition of the patient’s vulva, cervix, and vagina. If an extended procedure is performed, the gynecologist applies a special solution to the mucous membrane, which allows you to visually distinguish the affected areas of the epithelium from healthy ones.

Vinegar is often used as a solution, then the patient may feel a short-term burning sensation, and if the doctor uses Lugol or iodine for research, then no unpleasant sensations should arise.

Based on the description of the procedure, we can conclude that colposcopy of the cervix during pregnancy is a completely safe study. However, under the supervision of a colposcope, another diagnosis can be performed - a biopsy. If pathological areas of the epithelium are detected, the gynecologist takes a small piece of tissue for analysis. This procedure can be painful. If a doctor does a biopsy of the cervix, it usually does not hurt, but a biopsy of the lower part of the vagina or vulva is accompanied by noticeable pain, so doctors use a local anesthetic to eliminate the discomfort.

Is it possible to have a colposcopy during pregnancy?

This procedure is performed during pregnancy, but only for medical reasons, if the woman has gynecological pathologies. The fact is that often due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, progression of a disease such as cervical erosion is observed. Therefore, women with a history of symptoms of pathology are prescribed colposcopy during pregnancy.

In some cases, depending on the severity of the disease, the gynecologist may recommend that the expectant mother treat erosion while carrying a child. Typically, pregnant women are prescribed oral medications or a course of treatment with vaginal suppositories. In most cases, after therapy, erosion resolves.

It is important to note that there are no contraindications to colposcopy during pregnancy, since this procedure does not affect the course of the pregnancy or the health of the child, and is not traumatic.

During the day after extended colposcopy, a woman may experience spotting. Moreover, if the doctor used iodine or Lugol’s solution during the study, the discharge will be colored. This is a normal phenomenon after diagnosis, so there is no need to worry or panic.

Of course, the best solution for the expectant mother would be to undergo this type of examination at the stage of pregnancy planning. And if the doctor has discovered it, then this disease needs to be cured in advance. But if it was not possible to do this in time, then a woman carrying a child should not refuse colposcopy. This procedure does not cause any harm to the fetus!

Even at the stage of planning a child, almost every woman knows what colposcopy is. But there are exceptions when a woman, already pregnant, does not even imagine what colposcopy is and what its essence is. The answer to this question can be found in this material.

Colposcopy: what is it and why?

If we translate the word “colposcopy” from Latin, it means “examination of the vagina.” This is a medical procedure that involves examining the vagina using special mirrors and a microscope. The woman sits down on the gynecological chair, after which the doctor examines the mucous cavities, vascular connections, vaginal walls and cervix using a microscope.

Most women believe that a microscope is inserted into the vagina, after which this diagnostic procedure is carried out. But that's not true. The doctor, using a special mirror and binocular, which is located 15 cm from the vagina, performs a standard gynecological examination. Women are more scared by the name of the study than by the procedure itself. During the examination, the doctor also takes a smear for examination. Using a smear analysis, the presence of cytology or histology can be diagnosed.

After a short period of time, the procedure ends. If a detailed examination is required, the doctor treats the cervical cavity with Lugol's solution. After processing the following conclusions are drawn:

if iodine fills the entire cavity of the cervix, then no pathologies have been detected;
If non-staining spots of iodine appear on the cervical cavity, the doctor will refer the woman for a biopsy.

A biopsy is a procedure in which a piece of tissue is removed for analysis. During pregnancy, a biopsy procedure is performed in rare cases.

Is colposcopy allowed during pregnancy?

Doctors recommend carrying out a vaginal examination procedure even before conceiving a child. This will provide an overall picture of pregnancy planning, on the basis of which forecasts are made. The procedure is carried out only after the doctor takes a smear of the vaginal microflora for examination. This is done not only before pregnancy, but also during pregnancy.

Colposcopy during pregnancy is prescribed if pathological abnormalities are suspected. Therefore, to the question of whether colposcopy can be done during pregnancy, there is only a positive answer. After all, such a serious disease as erosion, which manifests itself in the early stages of pregnancy, becomes complicated and reaches a severe stage.

Advice! If the doctor has identified suspicions and referred for a biopsy, then one should not refuse this procedure. A timely diagnosed disease is 100% curable.

Cervical examination: to do or not

Colposcopy of the cervix during pregnancy is performed as prescribed by a gynecologist. If you have suspicions, even the most insignificant ones, you should not neglect the doctor’s advice, but go for an examination.

Pregnancy is a period during which the female body experiences various loads, disruptions, and stress. As a result of such loads, the development of pathologies cannot be ruled out. Colposcopy for pregnant women is not mandatory, but this procedure makes it possible to determine the presence of not only cervical erosion, but also the extent of its spread. Extensive erosions are very dangerous for pregnant women, because untimely treatment can lead to problems during the birth process. In case of a complicated disease, the doctor decides to perform a caesarean section.

No one from the medical staff has the right to force a woman to undergo an examination, but at the same time she needs to be aware and understand what pregnancy and childbirth are. If you do not undergo the study, then only you will be harmed. Therefore, consider the doctor’s appointment and rush for a procedure that does not take more than half an hour.

Colposcopy: when is it performed?

The colposcopy procedure is performed in the early stages of pregnancy, immediately after the woman is registered. During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, a woman needs to undergo examination.

Colposcopy during pregnancy is also prescribed in later stages, which is required for a control examination before childbirth. The procedure is repeated only when the doctor first identifies pathology or abnormalities.

When planning a colposcopy, you need to prepare for it. Before the procedure, a woman should exclude any negative impact on the vaginal lining. This is done in order to preserve the natural microflora in it as much as possible.

Advice! Three days before going to the hospital, a woman needs to exclude three things: sex, the use of tampons, and the use of synthetic preparations for the care of intimate places.

Colposcopy during late pregnancy has distinctive features of its implementation. In the last trimester, a woman needs to take a position in which the right thigh is located on the sheet. This is done in order to avoid a decrease in pressure to a critical value. If necessary, if it is not possible to expand the vaginal walls, the doctor can use a special instrument. If there is no dilator, then the speculum is inserted into the vagina. To avoid damaging the vaginal cavity, the doctor places a condom on the speculum.

It is important to know! If pregnancy is due to the development of pathologies, then colposcopy is mandatory.

If pregnancy occurs with relapses or complications, the colposcopy procedure is carried out carefully so as not to provoke bleeding or premature birth. Vaginal examination is carried out only by a qualified doctor who has not only a diploma, but also experience.

Contraindications to colposcopy

Colposcopy during pregnancy is practically painless and safe, as confirmed by the experience of many women. This procedure has no contraindications, but before a woman lies down on a gynecological chair, the doctor must familiarize herself with the history of her diseases and the peculiarities of the course of pregnancy. This is required to eliminate the most minimal risks.

Many years of experience have proven that it is better to perform a colposcopy now than to postpone it until tomorrow, after which you will need to undergo a full course of treatment for cervical diseases. If the issue of conceiving a child plays an important role, then the woman needs to undergo colposcopy. The procedure will not negatively affect the course of pregnancy, and even more so, will not affect conception.

Advice! Before going to an appointment for the procedure, find out from your acquaintances, friends or reviews from the Internet which doctor is better to undergo an examination.

Summing up

Having an idea of what colposcopy means and why it is necessary, we can draw conclusions. Any medical intervention is done with one purpose: to promptly identify the disease and begin to cure it. Pregnancy is very important in the life of every woman, but in order for this period to pass joyfully and happily, you need to take care of your health today.

Colposcopy during pregnancy can be characterized as follows:

a useful type of examination that allows you to identify pathological health abnormalities;
does not negatively affect the development of the fetus;
does not require a recovery period;
carried out quickly and painlessly.

If the gynecologist has prescribed you to undergo an examination, and you are still hesitating, then don’t, hurry up and you can make sure of your health and a happy pregnancy.

Some names of medical examinations are not familiar to most women. This is for the better, because it means that until a certain time the woman was all right and knowing the meaning of the word was simply not necessary. And let it always be like this. But life sometimes still forces us to look into dictionaries (and more often on the Internet) to find out what the doctor prescribed there. Today we will look at what colposcopy is, when and why it is performed.

What is colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a procedure for examining the vagina (or, more precisely, its walls and entrance) using a special device - a colposcope. This device is a binocular and a lighting device.

The name of the method comes from the words “colpo” (vagina) and “scope” (look) and literally translates as “look into the vagina.” During colposcopy, a thorough examination of the cervix is performed under multiple optical magnification (up to 40 times). This device is equipped with a special backlight to make it possible to see darkened tissues and fine vascular mesh. Examination using a colposcope takes place on a gynecological chair.

Today, doctors can offer their patients photocolposcopy and videocolposcopy. In both cases, it is possible to save data, which will later allow you to compare the picture before and after treatment. This is especially valuable in situations where there are suspicions that a woman has cervical diseases that are prone to relapse.

Colposcopy solves several important problems. With its help, you can identify lesions, analyze the general condition of the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix, distinguish benign from malignant neoplasms, and conduct a biopsy for further diagnosis. The doctor, conducting an examination procedure using a colposcope, evaluates the color of the examined tissues and vascular pattern, establishes epithelial disorders, determines the presence and shape of glands, as well as the boundaries of the identified formations. During colposcopy, a specialist will be able to accurately determine the nature of the discharge (it can be purulent, bloody, mucous, and so on).

There are two types of colposcopy: simple and extended. In simple cases, the specialist does not use medications, but in advanced cases, on the contrary, he uses special tests. For example, three percent acetic acid applied to an area of the mucosa demonstrates the changes that have occurred on the surface. In this case, the unchanged vessels narrow. This test has the greatest clinical significance. Along with this diagnostic method, a test with Lugol's solution (iodine) is used, which determines glycogen in the epithelium. This test is called the Schiller test. In advanced cases (for example, cancer), a special probe is used and a Chrobak test is performed. In most cases, if you are intolerant to iodine or acetic acid, colposcopy is contraindicated.

How to prepare for colposcopy?

There is no special preparation for colposcopy. One of the few requirements is that the woman does not menstruate. In this case, it does not matter at all what day of the woman’s menstrual cycle she has. However, most doctors also advise against performing a colposcopy in the middle of the cycle, because during this period quite a large amount of mucus collects in the cervical canal and on the cervix. The second is refusal of sexual intercourse with a partner 2-4 days before the procedure. Also, a few days before colposcopy, douching, vaginal creams and tablets should not be used. During this period, it is very important that the microflora of the vagina and uterus is natural. When the microflora is normal, it is easier to establish the correct diagnosis and see the real picture. 2-3 days before your visit to the doctor, for personal hygiene purposes, it is better to use plain warm water and a small amount of baby soap.

How is the examination procedure performed using a colposcope?

The duration of the procedure is from 20 to 40 minutes. As already mentioned, the examination is performed on a gynecological chair. The colposcope is installed at a distance of 10-15 centimeters from the genital slit. The doctor exposes the cervix using vaginal speculum, and then removes mucus using cotton swabs. Next, using a colposcope, he examines the vaginal part of the woman’s cervix. In this case, the light beam is directed perpendicularly. This is a simple colposcopy that is non-contact and therefore painless. After a simple colposcopy, the doctor performs an extended one. First, he applies various solutions to the mucous membrane, changing the color of the epithelium depending on the nature of the research. This makes it possible to identify the boundaries of the affected areas of the epithelium. This examination, as mentioned earlier, allows you to study the pathology of the cervix, determine the nature and even possible causes of these pathologies, exclude or, conversely, suspect precancerous or cancerous conditions. The results of colposcopy are assessed immediately upon completion. As a result, a protocol for each specific study is drawn up, in which a photograph or, if necessary, a video recording is filed. After the doctor makes a medical report, he prescribes a course of treatment or refers you for additional examination.

When might a colposcopy be necessary?

When it is necessary to exclude or confirm the presence of genital warts, precancerous changes in the tissues of the vulva, vagina, cervix, or cancer of these organs.

The symptoms that are taken into account when deciding whether to perform this examination are the following:

itching and (or) burning in the vagina;
uterine bleeding not associated with regular menstruation;
pain and (or) bleeding during sexual intercourse;
“dull” constant pain in the lower abdomen, which becomes more and more severe over time;
rashes around the external genitalia.

If the smear result is unsatisfactory, the doctor will also refer the patient for colposcopy.

Colposcopy before pregnancy

Every woman who decides to plan her pregnancy will be faced with the need to visit different medical specialists and undergo various tests. Colposcopy, which she will be prescribed without fail, will allow her to notice changes in the epithelium or specific diseases in the early stages. And this, in turn, will allow you to take the necessary measures and ensure a healthy pregnancy. If colposcopy does not reveal any problems and if no other health problems are observed, then you can get pregnant even that same evening. If it turns out that the woman’s health is not all right, you will have to postpone this pleasant event until the doctor gives the go-ahead. But don’t despair, because this is precisely why colposcopy is needed before pregnancy, to make a diagnosis!

Colposcopy during pregnancy

Many gynecologists consider colposcopy to be a mandatory examination during pregnancy. As a rule, during this period - while carrying a baby - colposcopy is recommended to be performed without the use of diagnostic tests. There is no point in being afraid of colposcopy during pregnancy: it cannot harm the baby in any way.

The need to conduct this examination during pregnancy often arises precisely because a large number of modern women are not fully examined before becoming pregnant. And many do not plan the pregnancy itself, and therefore during pregnancy they receive various “gifts” from their body in the form of one or another sore. This is also facilitated by immune suppression (suppression), which is provoked by pregnancy and is the norm for this condition. As a result, some pathology of the cervix may begin to progress (and quite rapidly). These primarily include cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. All this can lead to an unfavorable course, or even the outcome of pregnancy.

Doctors insist on performing colposcopy in pregnant women also because some types of erosions need to be urgently treated even during pregnancy. If colposcopy shows the presence of extensive erosion, the woman may be given a cesarean section rather than a natural delivery.

Colposcopy with biopsy (taking cells for examination) is prescribed to pregnant women only in extreme cases, since a biopsy can cause cervical bleeding, and in some cases, especially in the early stages, miscarriage. But colposcopy itself, that is, an examination using multiple magnification, is an absolutely harmless and painless procedure for pregnant women.