Early Pregnancy Scan

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Aim

To identify and manage problems in early pregnancy.

Who is it for?

All women who have a positive pregnancy test with pain or vaginal bleeding up to 18 weeks of pregnancy.

Women can self-refer to the unit if they have positive pregnancy test with a previous history of ectopic pregnancy or have 3 or more miscarriages or a hydatidiform mole.

How does it work?

Your health care professional   will telephone the nurse-led unit and book an appointment for you.

We will assess your pregnancy using several tests and it may take some time to perform these tests and to get results. We will discuss them with you.

Please expect to be with us for 1-2 hours, however if you need to see a doctor this will take longer.

You may bring another adult with you for support to your appointment. If possible please do not bring any children to this appointment unless absolutely necessary.

Please bring with you an early morning urine sample with you to your appointment.

What happens during your visit to the EPAU?

On arrival you should report to the reception desk where your personal details will be checked.

You will be seen by a Nurse/Midwife initially where a brief history will be taken in preparation for your ultrasound scan.

Your scan

Please bring drinking water with you so you can fill your bladder prior to the scan.

With your consent the person performing the scan will scan across your lower abdomen with a small probe and clear gel. If you are under 12 weeks pregnant it may be necessary to carry out a vaginal scan using a thin probe, gel and sterile single use cover.

Please remember it is not always possible to see from one scan alone whether your pregnancy is continuing or not, having a scan will not affect the outcome of the pregnancy, and vaginal ultrasound scans do not cause miscarriage.

Visit www.mkuh.nhs.uk for accessibility and translation services.

Please note, we are unable to take into consideration any private ultrasound scans from non NHS institutions when managing your care.

After the scan

A nurse or midwife will see you and explain the scan results. They will answer any questions you have and arrange any further care you need following a discussion with you.

The Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit telephone number is:  01908 996434