The Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit provides a predominantly nurse led outpatient service to women with problems or concerns in early pregnancy (from 6 weeks, up to and including 15 weeks and 6 days). The service is supported by a Consultant Lead and the on call doctors who provide medical guidance when required.
Early Pregnancy is accessible via the door at the side of the Women and Children’s Unit, situated left of the main hospital entrance. The unit is signposted and operates an intercom system to access the unit.
The Early Pregnancy Unit operates an appointment only service and is not a walk-in clinic.
Referrals may be made to the unit via the GP, A&E, private scanning facilities, NHS 111 and other health services. (Please note, findings from a scan performed in the private sector cannot be used when providing care via the NHS. Care will be provided based upon an NHS scan diagnosis).
Patients are also able to self-refer for the following criteria:
Contact EPAU for advice during pregnancy from 6 weeks up to 15 weeks and 6 days with any of the following:
- Mild to moderate abdominal pain,
- Mild to moderate vaginal bleeding,
- Previously confirmed ectopic or molar pregnancy,
- Two or more consecutive miscarriages,
- Having conceived with an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device in place.
Please note that an initial telephone consultation will take place and the appropriate care pathway will be selected based on your reported concerns/symptoms. It is not always necessary or appropriate for you to attend the unit and a scan is not always required.
To discuss any of the above concerns, please contact EPAU on 01253 953731.
If you are greater than 16 weeks pregnant, please contact the Maternity Triage Unit on 01253 956820 for advice. Find out more about Maternity Triage: Maternity Triage :: Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.
You are welcome to bring someone with you to your appointment but we respectfully ask that this is limited to one other person and that, wherever possible, children do not attend the unit.
In situations where it is necessary for children to attend with you, we kindly ask that a responsible adult also accompanies you to your appointment as children are unable to enter the scan room.
Upon arrival, you will have an initial consultation with the nurse/ midwife prior to any ultrasound scan and/or blood tests being performed.
Both abdominal and transvaginal scanning are performed on the Early Pregnancy Unit and both female and male sonographers work on the unit. A chaperone is always provided for any internal scans performed by a male sonographer.
Your scan findings will be discussed with you and any further required care arranged. This may include:
- Performing blood tests,
- Arranging for you to attend a follow up scan (usually 1-2 weeks later),
- Advice to perform a urine pregnancy test in a few weeks,
- Admit you to a ward for further investigations and/or treatments,
- Discharge you from the service.
