2. a. Threatened Mother’s health during pregnancy
Most HPV-positive women with abnormal cytology results were anxious that
weakening the immune system during pregnancy could lead to the virus
persistence in their body, and worsen cervical abnormalities. This fear
was so great that some who had decided to become pregnant soon changed
their pregnancy plans, postponing them until their cytology and HPV
results return to normal.
”I wanted to get pregnant, so I went to a specialist for a
checkup. Now that my test results [Pap, HPV, and colposcopy] came
abnormal, I think it’s not an appropriate time for me to get pregnant.I’m afraid pregnancy will make my results worse. I’m going to wait
for the virus to go away, and then get pregnant.” (P.1)
”I wanted to get pregnant. Then it happened [high-risk HPV and
ASC-US], and I can’t think of pregnancy anymore. My doctor said I
could get pregnant, but I’m afraid I’ll get pregnant, and my immune
system will go down, and then my abnormal cells will grow.” (P.6)
Some participants expressed concern about the safety of diagnostic and
therapeutic procedures during pregnancy. They were worried that becoming
pregnant would deprive them of timely treatment.
”Is colposcopy allowed in pregnancy? Could I be treated during
pregnancy, if I get a serious precancerous condition?” (P.6)
Women with mixed HPV genotypes worried about increasing their warts
during pregnancy. These thoughts discouraged and frustrated them.
”Pregnancy causes warts to multiply or get more noticeable.
They’re disgusting.” (P.2)
They also had questions about preferred GWs treatments during pregnancy.
”If I get warts, what treatments are available for pregnant women?
Can I freeze it?” (P.10)