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A small number of diagnoses occur during pregnancy, or in the postpartum period immediately following childbirth. Receiving a diagnosis of cervical cancer during pregnancy may feel overwhelming, and people will likely worry about their own health, as well as that of the fetus. Treatment options are available at certain stages of pregnancy, and a person can discuss these options with their doctor. This article discusses the prevalence of cervical cancer during pregnancy, how the cancer may affect pregnancy, and whether it can cause complications. We also outline the symptoms of cervical cancer and the procedure for diagnosing and treating the disease during pregnancy. Finally, we offer information on the different forms of support available. Can people who are pregnant get cervical cancer Share on PinterestSanti Nuñez/StocksyA person can develop or receive a diagnosis of cervical cancer during pregnancy. According to Cancer Research UK, research suggests that cervical cancer will not grow or spread any faster in a pregnant person than in a person who is not pregnant. Prevalence during pregnancy Cervical cancer is the most commonly diagnosed gynecological malignant tumor, accounting for 71.6% of all cases. However, doctors diagnose only around 1–3% of cases during pregnancy or postpartum. How will it affect pregnancy Cervical cancer can have a negative impact on pregnancy. Some potential issues include:hemorrhaging during delivery tearing or breaking of the tumor during deliverycancer spreading to other areas of the bodypreterm labordelayed treatmentrisk of embolism Will it cause complications during pregnancy such as pregnancy loss Cervical cancer may not cause complications directly. However, cancer treatments may have a negative effect on the pregnancy. Chemotherapy is a common treatment option for many types of cancer, including cervical cancer. However, receiving chemotherapy in the first trimester of pregnancy can harm the developing fetus and can cause miscarriage. As such, doctors will only administer chemotherapy to a person who is at least 12 weeks pregnant. Though a person can opt to delay treatment until after the delivery, some medical professionals advise against this, particularly if a person receives the diagnosis early in the pregnancy. This is because the timeframe necessary for the fetus to reach maturity could allow the cancer to progress. As an alternative, some medical professionals recommend chemotherapy treatment during the second and third trimesters. As a 2020 case study notes, experts consider chemotherapy at this stage to be safe for the unborn fetus. Symptoms of cervical cancer According to the American Cancer Society, early-stage cervical cancer typically does not cause any signs or symptoms. A person may only begin to experience symptoms once the cancer has grown in size or spread to nearby tissues. When this happens, a person may experience one or more of the following: abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as:abnormally long or heavy periodsbleeding or spotting between periodsbleeding after sexbleeding after menopauseunusual or bloody vaginal dischargepain during sexpelvic pain In the later stages, a person may experience additional signs and symptoms, such as:blood in the urineswelling of the legsdifficulty urinating or having a bowel movement A person who develops symptoms of cervical cancer during pregnancy may mistake them for symptoms of other conditions that can occur during pregnancy. For this reason, a person should talk with their doctor or midwife about any unusual symptoms they develop while pregnant. When to contact a doctor A person who is pregnant or in the postpartum period should talk with their doctor if they experience any unexplained symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding or discharge. In many cases, these symptoms will not be a sign of cancer. However, a doctor will likely want to rule out any serious medical conditions that may affect the health of the mother or fetus. Diagnosis and next steps According to a 2019 study, the process for diagnosing cervical cancer during pregnancy typically involves the following three steps:Cervical cytology. This is a rapid diagnostic test that involves screening cervical cell samples for abnormalities. It can help to diagnose cervical cancer. However, it can also lead to false-positive results. Colposcopy: This minimally invasive procedure involves using an instrument called a “colposcope” to visually examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva. A colposcopy can help to detect signs of cervical cancer, such as lesions and abnormalities. Doctors often recommend the procedure during the first and second trimesters,Cervical biopsy: This surgical procedure involves removing a small amount of tissue from the cervix to test for signs of cancer or pre-cancer. It does not increase the risk of miscarriage or other pregnancy complications. Following diagnosis, a person and their doctor will work together to decide on an appropriate treatment plan. Factors to consider include:the stage of the cancerthe size of the tumorthe type of cervical cancer the person hashow far along the pregnancy isthe person’s wishes for the pregnancy and treatment Questions to ask a doctor Receiving a diagnosis of cervical cancer during pregnancy can feel overwhelming and distressing. A person who receives such a diagnosis may want to prepare some questions to ask their doctor at their next appointment. Though not exhaustive, the following questions may provide a helpful starting point: How large is the tumor?What stage is the cancer?What are your recommendations for treatment?How experienced/comfortable are you with treating cervical cancer during pregnancy?How will delaying treatment affect my health?What impact, if any, will the treatment have on the pregnancy?What is the best course of action to take now? Treatment during pregnancy Treatment for cervical cancer during pregnancy will depend on several factors, including:how far along the pregnancy isthe size of the tumorwhether or to what extent the cancer has spreadthe person’s wishes regarding their care and the future of their pregnancy A person should keep in mind that scientists and medical professionals have not reached a consensus on what cervical cancer treatment during pregnancy should entail. Current practices are based on small studies with limited data supporting various methods. Less than 3 months pregnant The first trimester refers to the first 3 months of pregnancy. A person who wishes to keep their pregnancy will not likely undergo any treatment during this time. Chemotherapy can cause harm to the developing fetus or may result in pregnancy loss. A person who wants to pursue treatment during the first trimester may need to talk with their doctor about the possibility of ending their pregnancy. Second and third trimester A doctor may recommend delaying treatment until the second or third trimester. A doctor may also suggest that a person deliver early via a cesarean delivery (C-section). In some cases, a doctor may recommend removing the womb at the time of the C-section. This will depend on several factors, including the size and extent of the cancer and the person’s wishes regarding their health and future fertility. Following the delivery, the doctor will likely recommend chemotherapy or other aggressive treatment options. For small tumors A doctor may be able to remove a small tumor using trachelectomy. This procedure involves removing part of the upper vagina and most of the cervix. However, trachelectomy can cause bleeding or pregnancy loss, and there is limited data on its use during pregnancy. For larger tumors For larger tumors, a doctor may recommend chemotherapy during the second and third trimesters. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells and prevents them from reproducing. This can help to prevent cancers from growing and spreading. Further research is necessary to fully establish the safety of chemotherapy during pregnancy. However, experts generally believe that chemotherapy treatment is safe beyond 12 weeks of pregnancy. Outlook for the pregnant person and fetus Very limited data exist on cervical cancer during pregnancy. This is partly due to the fact that cervical cancer diagnoses during pregnancy account for only around 1–3% of all cervical cancer cases. Treatment can increase the risk of preterm labor and pregnancy loss. However, delaying treatment may increase the risk of the cancer spreading. A person should talk with their doctor to determine the best options for their unique situation. Support A person who receives a diagnosis of cancer while pregnant can talk with their doctor or treatment team for information on local support groups. Alternatively, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition offers online support groups for people diagnosed with cervical cancer. Joining a support group can be a good way for people to share experiences, work through the emotional impact of their diagnosis, and seek practical advice. A person may also find that speaking with a counselor or therapist helps. The decision of whether and when to proceed with treatment while pregnant can be both daunting and distressing. Therapy may help people to better cope with these feelings in a way that helps them make informed decisions about their treatment. Summary Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological cancer. However, only around 1–3% of diagnoses occur during or immediately following pregnancy. Treatment for cervical cancer typically entails chemotherapy. However, chemotherapy during the first 3 months of pregnancy may harm the fetus or cause miscarriage. As such, doctors recommend delaying treatment until after the first trimester. Doing so helps protect the pregnancy. However, it also increases the risk of the cancer developing. A doctor will work closely with a person to discuss all the available options regarding their pregnancy and treatment. Decisions on how to proceed should reflect the person’s individual situation and desires. A person may benefit from attending a support group online or in person. Therapy may also help people to better cope with the emotional impact of their diagnosis. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2022Cancer / OncologyCervical Cancer / HPV VaccinePregnancy / ObstetricsWomen's Health / GynecologyParenthoodPregnancy ComplicationsPregnancy HealthMedically reviewed by Teresa Hagan Thomas PHD, BA, RN — By Jenna Fletcher on June 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageOvarian cancer and pregnancy: A guideMedically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD Ovarian cancer is rare during pregnancy, but it can happen. 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