Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit

The Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) provides care for pregnant women/people up to 13 weeks and six days pregnant. 

Click here for further advice and to direct you to the right help, dependant on the gestation of your pregnancy.

If you have concerns about your pregnancy (including abdominal pain and/or bleeding) and are 16 weeks or more pregnant, please contact the Call a Midwife Advice Line 0300 123 5473. 

The most common reasons for referral to our EPAU are:

  • Bleeding and/or pain with a positive pregnancy test
  • Women with previous ectopic pregnancy/history of endometriosis and previous laparoscopic surgery
  • Two consecutive miscarriages
  • Ongoing management following problems from previous early pregnancy ultrasound in the private sector

We operate an appointment only system and are not able to accept walk ins. For out of hours advice, please contact NHS 111 or go directly to your nearest emergency department if your symptoms worsen.

Referrals are reviewed Monday to Friday, between 8am and 11am. 

All referrals will be triaged by our specialist nurses within 24 hours (Mon–Fri) who will contact you to discuss your symptoms and to offer you an appointment if necessary. Please note this may not involve an ultrasound scan, if it is not appropriate. We may offer you further blood testing/scanning to confirm an ongoing pregnancy.

Advice for pain or vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy (pre-14 weeks)

If you are worried about pain or vaginal bleeding, have a positive pregnancy test and are 13 weeks and six days pregnant or under, please use the below table for advice. For any other symptoms or advice, please contact you GP or NHS 111

 

Symptoms

Advice
  • Mild lower abdominal cramping (not requiring paracetamol)
  • Light vaginal/bleeding spotting <5 days
  • Mild nausea and vomiting

Self-care

These are common in early pregnancy and should settle as pregnancy progresses.
  • Ongoing mild lower abdominal cramping
  • Light vaginal bleeding/spotting that has not settled after five days
  • Moderate nausea and vomiting (able to tolerate oral fluids and some food)

Contact GP/ Midwife/ NHS 111

A healthcare professional can refer you to EPAU for further assessment.
  • Mild or worsening abdominal pain and/or vaginal bleeding for more than three days with a history of:
    • Ectopic pregnancy
    • Multiple caesarean sections
    • Severe endometriosis and previous laparoscopic surgery
    • Two consecutive miscarriages prior to current pregnancy
    • Recent fertility treatment
    • Previous molar pregnancy
    • Problems identified from previous early pregnancy ultrasound in the private sector

Self-refer to EPAU

Our specialist nurses will triage your referral and contact you within 24 hours (working days) to discuss your symptoms and to offer you an appointment if and  appropriate, +/- a scan.

 
  • Hyperemesis (severe nausea and/or vomiting, with an inability to eat and/or drink normally that strongly limits your ability to carry out normal daily activities)

Contact St Catherines Ward: 01483 464147

  • Heavy bleeding and/or
    • Severe abdominal pain, dizziness or shoulder tip pain.

Attend A&E or Call 999

Do not wait to contact EPAU or for us to contact you. Please go directly to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E).

Self-referrals

If you meet the above criteria to self refer to EPAU, please complete the self-referral form. Please note that you will still need to register your pregnancy with our maternity team to book routine antenatal care and scan appointments.

Complete a self-referral form

At your appointment

If you are asked to come in for an assessment, please leave plenty of time to arrive and for parking. If you arrive late, it may not be possible for you to be seen and we may need to re-book your appointment.

You are welcome to bring a partner/friend with you, but please note that children are not permitted in the department. Please ask a member of staff if you require a chaperone.

Due to the early stage of your pregnancy, it may be necessary to perform an internal (vaginal) scan. This may be uncomfortable but is very safe in early pregnancy. You may decline an internal scan and an abdominal scan will be performed instead.

Opening times

Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm (last appointment at 4pm).

We are closed Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Please follow the advice above and contact NHS 111 if you have concerns out of hours or go directly to your nearest emergency department if your symptoms worsen.

EPAU team

EPAU Lead Consultant: Miss Chimwemwe Kalumbi

EPAU Consultant: Mr Osama Abughazza

Matron: Kate Conway

Senior Sister: Sarah Hard

Junior Sisters: Catherine Gadd and Kelly-Anne Wright

Staff Nurses: Naomi Pearson and Victoria Stafford

Administrator: Jo Cox