HPV in pregnancy: what do you need to know?
In the vast majority of pregnancies, HPV causes no problems. Transmission of the virus to the baby is very rare and usually has no serious consequences. Cervical screening continues safely during pregnancy; a colposcopy can be done if needed, but biopsy and further treatments are often postponed until after delivery. HPV on its own is usually not a barrier to vaginal birth. All decisions are made by the doctor following your pregnancy.
Finding out you have HPV during pregnancy, or becoming pregnant while HPV positive, naturally causes worry. The good news: the vast majority of pregnancies are not affected by HPV. Transmission to the baby, screening, delivery and the vaccine: the most common questions are answered one by one below. Remember that all decisions are made by the doctor following your pregnancy.
Can it harm the baby? Can it be passed on?
This is the most frequently asked and most worrying question. The answer is reassuring: transmission of HPV to the baby is very rare, and even when it happens, it usually does not cause a lasting problem. In very rare cases, warts may develop in the baby's airway (recurrent respiratory papillomatosis); this is an extremely rare condition.
The vast majority of pregnancies are not affected by HPV. Transmission to the baby is rare; serious consequences are even rarer. This is not a situation that calls for panic.
Can a Pap test / HPV test be done in pregnancy?
Yes. Taking a sample from the cervix (Pap test) is safe during pregnancy and is done when needed; it does not harm the baby. In fact, pregnancy care is an opportunity for a regular check-up for many women. Your test result is assessed with the state of your pregnancy in mind. You can read about what these tests are in our article on the Pap test and HPV test.
Colposcopy and biopsy in pregnancy
If your Pap test shows a significant abnormality, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy; it can also be done during pregnancy and is safe. However, during this period doctors are more cautious about biopsy and further treatments — definitive procedures are often planned for after delivery. The aim is to monitor the situation closely while keeping the pregnancy safe. For details of the procedure: what is a colposcopy.
Genital warts in pregnancy
Because of hormonal changes in pregnancy, genital warts may grow or increase in number; this is a known occurrence, and they often regress after delivery. Your doctor decides whether treatment is needed and which method to use; some wart medications are not used in pregnancy. For details: genital warts (condyloma).
Does it prevent a vaginal birth?
In most cases, no. HPV on its own usually does not require a cesarean section and is not a barrier to vaginal birth. Only special situations, such as extensive warts that markedly block the birth canal, are assessed separately. Your doctor decides on the mode of delivery by considering your pregnancy as a whole.
The HPV vaccine in pregnancy
The HPV vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy and is postponed until after delivery. If you became pregnant after starting the vaccine series, the remaining doses are completed after delivery. If the vaccine was given during pregnancy by mistake, no known harm has been reported, but planned vaccination is postponed. For details: the HPV vaccine.
Breastfeeding and HPV
HPV is not a barrier to breastfeeding. If the HPV vaccine is needed, it can be given while breastfeeding; your doctor determines the exact timing.
Follow-up after delivery
An HPV-positive result or Pap test abnormality found during pregnancy is re-evaluated after delivery. Some cell changes may regress on their own after delivery; for those that persist, your doctor will plan a check-up at the appropriate time and, if needed, further evaluation. It is important not to miss your follow-up appointment.
When should you see a doctor?
- If screening is due during your pregnancy care, or if you have an HPV/Pap test result — for follow-up,
- If you have rapidly growing warts in the genital area, unusual bleeding or discomfort — without waiting,
- At the appointment your doctor gives you for your check-up after delivery.
In summary, HPV in pregnancy is most often a condition that can be managed calmly. The aim is not to be afraid, but to continue the necessary follow-up while keeping your pregnancy safe.
Frequently asked questions
Can HPV pass to my baby during pregnancy and harm it?
Transmission of HPV to the baby is very rare and usually does not cause a lasting problem. In very rare cases, warts may develop in the baby's airway; this is extremely rare. The vast majority of pregnancies are not affected by HPV.
Is a Pap test harmful in pregnancy? Will it affect the baby?
No. Taking a sample from the cervix (Pap test) is considered safe during pregnancy and is done when needed. The procedure does not harm the baby.
Can HPV cause miscarriage or preterm birth?
There is no strong evidence that HPV infection on its own causes miscarriage or preterm birth. Share your concerns with the doctor following your pregnancy.
Can I have a vaginal birth if I have HPV?
In most cases, yes. HPV on its own usually does not require a cesarean section; your doctor decides on the mode of delivery by considering your pregnancy as a whole. Special situations, such as extensive genital warts, are assessed separately.
Can I get the HPV vaccine while pregnant?
No, the HPV vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy and is postponed until after delivery. If you started the vaccine series before becoming pregnant, the remaining doses are completed after delivery.
My warts have grown during pregnancy. Is that normal?
Because of hormonal changes in pregnancy, genital warts may grow or increase in number; this is a known occurrence. Your doctor decides whether treatment is needed and which method to use; some medications are not used in pregnancy.
Can a colposcopy be done during pregnancy?
If considered necessary, a colposcopy can be done during pregnancy and is safe. However, doctors are more cautious about biopsy and further treatments; definitive procedures are often planned for after delivery.
What should I do after delivery?
An HPV result or Pap test abnormality found during pregnancy is usually re-evaluated after delivery. Your doctor will plan a check-up at the appropriate time and, if needed, further evaluation.
Sources
- ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) — pregnancy and cervical screening.
- CDC — HPV infection and pregnancy.
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) — HPV and pregnancy.
- World Health Organization (WHO) — HPV vaccine and pregnancy.
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health — cervical cancer screening and follow-up.
Note: This content was written independently, based on current scientific information published by the institutions above; it is not a direct copy of any text.
This article is for general information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation and does not replace a medical examination. Please consult your doctor about your own situation. The content reflects scientific knowledge as of the update date above.