Early Pregnancy Assessment clinic
The Early Pregnancy & Emergency Gynaecology Service is located in ‘Emergency Gynaecology Unit’. This is in the main building of the hospital, on the first floor, yellow corridor as indicated in this map.
The Early Pregnancy Serviice is a specialist unit that manages early pregnancy problems such as vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. We see women in the first 18 weeks of pregnancy only. After 18 weeks, the patient is seen in the Emergency Obstetric Unit or Delivery Suite.
Services available
A nurse-led service, we are supported by sonographers and the on-call gynaecology team.
When necessary, ongoing support and advice is provided either in person or by telephone by EPAU staff.
Making an appointment
We are open from 9.00-17.00, Monday to Friday. Referrals can be made by GPs, ED (fast track) or other health professionals by emailing the referral form to huh-tr.epau.referrals@nhs.net
Routine investigations
Patients will be seen by a nurse and an ultrasound scan will be performed in order to visualise the pregnancy. The scan may be done externally through the abdomen, or internally through the vagina. Neither of these are harmful to the pregnancy. Depending on the outcome of the scan, blood tests may be required.
What to expect
Appointments are usually available within a few days of referral. If the patient presents to the Emergency Department with heavy bleeding or severe pain, they are normally seen on the same day or day after. If the patient has had a previous miscarriage but are otherwise well, we would advise an ultrasound scan at around 7 weeks of pregnancy.
What if a miscarriage is diagnosed?
Unfortunately, early miscarriage is very common: at least 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. We offer expectant, medical and surgical management under local or general anaesthetic.
This means that if a miscarriage is diagnosed, you have the option of waiting to see if the pregnancy tissues pass naturally, or taking tablets to speed up the process, or a small operation to remove the pregnancy remains. If you opt to wait for a natural miscarriage or medical treatment you will be offered follow up with one of our nurses.
We offer an outpatient procedure called MVA to remove the pregnancy tissue under local anaesthetic. This is highly effective and acceptable to patients who wish to avoid a General Anaesthetic and takes only a few minutes. Pain killers are given prior to the procedure as there will be some period-like cramps during the procedure.
If a General Anaesthetic procedure is requested/advised, this will normally be done within 2 days and you will need to be nil by mouth for 6 hours. A doctor will go through the procedure, including the risks of complications. Normally this is a day-case procedure. Whatever method is chosen to manage the miscarriage, we offer support and advice.
What if an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed?
We offer a range of options to treat ectopic pregnancies, which are pregnancies growing outside of the womb. They account for 1-2% of all pregnancies.
Ectopic pregnancies are important because there is a risk they can rupture and cause severe internal bleeding, which may be life-threatening.
Some ectopic pregnancies will resolve on their own with close observation and follow-up. Some ectopic pregnancies can be treated with a drug called methotrexate and others require an operation. Most of the operations for ectopic pregnancy are performed through keyhole surgery. Patients requiring admission will be admitted to Priestley Ward.
Recurrent Miscarriage
We offer support and investigation for women with recurrent miscarriage, who require sequential ultrasound scans in early pregnancy for reassurance and may require special treatment if an underlying condition is found.
Ongoing support
Gynaecological nurse specialists are available in the service for advice and support.
Early pregnancy information websites
www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
www.ectopic.org.uk
www.womens-health.co.u