The early pregnancy assessment clinic, is a gynaecology service . They look after those in very early pregnancy until their dating scan at around 12 weeks.
You can find them on Level 4 of the Leazes Wing.
Criteria
There are several reasons you may need to use the early pregnancy assessment clinic but these are the most common:
- If you are experiencing fresh vaginal bleeding with cramp or abdominal pain
- You have had an ectopic pregnancy before
- You are one of a small group who have sadly experienced recurrent miscarriages. This means three or more miscarriages in a row
Important information
If you are bleeding heavily from your vagina and it causing you to feel dizzy or pass out, ring an ambulance on 999 and you will be taken to an emergency department (A&E).
Please note that the early pregnancy assessment clinic do not perform scans when your pregnancy is below six weeks. This is because there an ultrasound scan does not usually help us find out what is happening at this stage in pregnancy.
Bleeding
Bleeding in early pregnancy is very common. Many women that bleed in early pregnancy then have ongoing pregnancies. Sometimes a reason for the bleeding can be found; a lot of the time a cause cannot be found which can be upsetting and confusing. If you are experiencing some fresh red bleeding, it’s important not to panic. You can call your GP for some advice on whether you need to be seen or not. Early bleeding can be due to the implantation of the embryo into the lining of the uterus (womb).
Pain
Mild to moderate period like cramps are common in early pregnancy as the embryo embeds into the lining of the uterus (womb). You may also get an occasional pain on one side from where you ovulated the month you became pregnant. Severe, regular cramps are more concerning and you should ring the early pregnancy assessment clinic for advice.
If you are experiencing sharp pain, especially if it is only on one side, or you also have a pain in your shoulder blade, you should attend A&E.
Students
As a teaching hospital we will often have students from various specialities come to the early pregnancy assessment clinic to gain experience during their studies. They could be:
- Nurses
- Doctors
- Paramedics
- Midwives
- Occupational therapists
The students can be at various stages of their training and may be male or female. They always appreciate your permission to watch or participate in any part of your baby’s care as this experience is vital to their training. It is your decision as to whether you will allow any student to participate or watch any or all of your baby’s care or whether you would like to decline students altogether.
Contact
You can contact us on 0191 282 5479
