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Early Pregnancy Scanning
Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit
This is a midwifery-led service that is available to women less than 12 weeks pregnant and experiencing early pregnancy problems, such as vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. There may be a suspicion of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
The staff in the early pregnancy unit will assess you and your pregnancy. This will involve a medical history, an examination and an ultrasound scan. There may be an indication for blood tests after this appointment and you will have planned follow up.
An ultrasound scan is performed externally (a transabdominal scan of the lower abdomen with a full bladder) or internally (a transvaginal scan with an empty bladder).
This is an appointment only service, located within the Ultrasound Department on Level 2.
Referrals are accepted from GPs and The National Maternity Hospital Casualty Department.
Appointments are offered between 8am – 1.30pm Monday to Friday.
It is unsuitable for children to attend this appointment.
Miscarriage
An early miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the 12th week of gestation. Bleeding and pain are the most common symptoms of miscarriage.
If a diagnosis of miscarriage has been confirmed the doctor or the midwife will discuss the next stage of management. If the scan demonstrates that the miscarriage is complete, you may not need any further treatment.
If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected or confirmed, you may need further investigations and treatment which will be explained to you by your doctor or midwife.
Sometimes, it is not always clear if miscarriage has happened or it is an earlier viable pregnancy and further scans may be required to confirm this.
Cause for concern:
- Your pain is severe
- Your bleeding is especially heavy -i.e., you need to change a sanitary towel (pad) that has filled with blood clots every 15 minutes for over an hour (or 4 soaked pads in the course of 1 hour)
- You are feeling weak or dizzy
- You have severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by painkillers
- You have a high temperature
- You feel very unwell.
Please attend in Emergency:
- Your GP or midwife
- NMH emergency room 01- 6373100
- A&E department at your local hospital
- It is advisable to bring someone with you to the hospital.
