Cervical cytology in vulnerable pregnant women.

Purpose: To identify the prevalence of abnormal Papanicolau (Pap) smears in pregnancy in a vulnerable urban family practice, determine the percentage of abnormal Pap smears that persist into the postpartum period, and identify associated risk factors.

Data Sources: A retrospective chart review of all prenatal patients (N = 192) from a large urban family practice in upstate New York from 2000 to 2004. Descriptive statistic analysis was performed on demographic information, risk factors for abnormal Pap smears, and disposition of the patients.