Antenatal Day Assessment Unit (ADAU)
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What is Antenatal Day Assessment Unit?
Antenatal Day Assessment Unit (ADAU) is a small unit dedicated to assessing and monitoring the ongoing health of women/birthing person and their baby/babies.
It is an appointment only service. The unit is run by experienced midwives and maternity support workers. You may also be
seen by a doctor.
Most women/birthing people are discharged home with a plan of care- this may involve further ADAU appointments, community midwife, GP or Antenatal Clinic (ANC) follow ups, but this will be discussed prior to you leaving the unit.
A small number require admission to hospital.
Where is ADAU and what are the opening times?
Enter through the main hospital entrance, turn left, past Costa and walk down the main corridor. ADAU is situated in the purple zone on the left next to Labour ward. (Maternity Triage is also located here and is open 24 hours)It is open every day of the year between 08.00 and 18.00 hours.
Tel 01908 996481
Out of these hours please contact Maternity Triage on 01908 996483.
What/Who shall I bring with me?
Please bring any antenatal notes and scan reports that you may have.
We advise that you organise childcare if possible, and if you wish to be accompanied that you just have 1 person with you as our space is limited.
What are the reasons that I may need to attend ADAU?
There are many possible reasons, but it will most likely be following an initial review in Triage or ANC and includes the ongoing monitoring of:
• Pregnancy induced hypertension
• Pre- eclampsia
• Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
• Prolonged preterm rupture of membranes
• Abnormal blood findings
• Reduced/altered fetal movements/ Ultrasound scan findings
Or may also include:
• Steroid injections.
• Vitamin B12 injections
• Intravenous iron infusion.
• Outpatient induction of labour.
• External cephalic version
What will happen to me and how long will I be there for?
A midwife will see you as soon as possible and discuss the reason you are attending ADAU to ensure your understanding. We will ask for a urine sample and monitor your observations.
Depending on the reason for your attendance the tests and procedures may include a cardiotocograph (CTG) which is monitoring of your baby’s heart.
We may also ask you for blood samples. The length of time you will be here will depend on what assessments and tests are required.
You may also need to be seen by a doctor.
The staff in ADAU will make your visit as short and pleasant as possible. They will keep you
up to date if there are any delays.
Please ask any questions you may have and ensure you understand all the tests/ procedures
that are advised.
We encourage patients to be involved in their care by:
1. Being part of the conversation and shared decision making
2. Asking questions if something is not clear
3. Speaking up if you have concerns
Checks are there to protect you and you can be part of them. Behave with respect and kindness
towards healthcare professionals