Abstract

Background: This study was done to analyse the cervical cytological changes in pregnant women, to screen and down stage cervical cancer, to identify and treat cervical infections and to create awareness about the need for regular screening. Methods: A prospective analytical study was conducted on 500 pregnant women during their first antenatal visit irrespective of gestational age after taking informed consent. Pap smears were taken, stained and interpreted according to Bethesda-III system (2001). Results: Mean age of the patients was 25.98#xB1;3.56 years. 99% smears were reported as satisfactory. The smear was inflammatory in 55.6% cases. Candidial infection was detected in 2%, bacterial vaginosis in 4% and trichomoniliasis in 5.6% of the cases. Epithelial cell abnormality was reported in 2 (0.4%) cases namely, ASCUS and HSIL. Only 0.6% of the patients were aware of Pap smear.