We appreciate that experiencing pain or bleeding in pregnancy can be worrying and we are here to support you through this time.
We see ladies from 7 weeks pregnant, although this can be earlier, if deemed medically necessary.
- We have a dedicated Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) on the Women’s Health Unit that runs Monday-Friday. This is an out-patient clinic and you may be referred for an appointment by your GP, Community Midwife, Out of hours GP or via our Emergency Department.
- Depending on your symptoms, your GP or other healthcare provider, may feel that you need to be seen more urgently. We will assess you on the Women’s Health Unit and arrange care and treatment. It is possible that this visit could last several hours.
What will happen during my visit?
- You will be seen by a nurse and possibly a doctor during your visit. We will ask you about your symptoms and medical history.
- An ultrasound scan will be carried out (if appropriate) to assess your pregnancy. This may be done abdominally or vaginally. Both methods are safe in early pregnancy and the sonographer will discuss this with you. As an ultrasound scan is a diagnostic test, we ask you to bring just 1 adult with you.
- You will receive the results immediately and may be discharged, if everything is ok with your baby.
- Frequently, in early pregnancy, a follow up scan is required and sometimes we need to take blood, to assess the level of pregnancy hormone in your blood. This may mean multiple visits to the hospital and a wait for a final answer and diagnosis.
Does bleeding or pain always lead to miscarriage?
- No, not always. Around 20% of early pregnancies will end in miscarriage, but this means that 80% are ok. There are lots of reasons why ladies may experience pain or bleeding and we have included some of our patient information leaflets for you to read through.
- Sadly, some pregnancies do result in a pregnancy loss. If this happens to you the nurse and a doctor will discuss treatment options with you and make all arrangements, at a time when you are ready.
I’ve had a miscarriage before; will I automatically have an early scan?
- We are only able to offer a reassurance scan to ladies who experience recurrent miscarriage (3 or more consecutive losses). We are sorry that we are not able to extend this to everyone.
Can I get a picture of my baby if everything is ok?
- Yes, we will provide 1 picture. There may be a small charge for this.