Early Pregnancy
Introduction
The Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) at Bedford provides support and treatment for women experiencing pain and bleeding in early pregnancy. It consists of a team led by a Consultant and 2 Specialist Early pregnancy nurse practitioners who are supported by nurses trained in early pregnancy.
Who do we see?
Pregnant Women with Pain and/or bleeding in early pregnancy up to 16 weeks
Pregnant women with a previous Ectopic or molar pregnancy
Pregnant women who have experienced 3 consecutive miscarriages or require heparin injections early in the pregnancy.
What should you expect at your visit?
You will be seen by a Consultant or Specialist Nurse who will ask you for details of your symptoms and perform a scan. Depending on the results of the scan you may be required to have some blood tests taken. The Consultant or nurse will plan your treatment with you on the day and you may have to return for further scans or blood tests. We endeavour to give you appointments that suit you but this may not always be possible.
You will be required to have an appointment to attend the clinic, it is not a walk in service
Referral Process
- Via GP
- Via A&E
- Community Midwife
- By calling the clinic and self-referring if you have been previously asked to do so by the clinic – 01234 730576
Treatments Provided
We offer all treatment options to manage early pregnancy complications, the nurse or doctor will explain the benefits and risks of the different procedures.
Clinics
Monday to Friday am 08-13:00, emergency scans 2-3pm will be booked on the day as required.
To speak to a nurse for advice tel 01234 730576 (please do not use this line to confirm or change appointments)
To confirm if a referral has been received or change an appointment tel – 01234 795935 to speak to the reception staff.
Staff
Miss Kimberley Nash
Consultant O&G Lead for Early Pregnancy
Sister Bobby Moore
Early Pregnancy Nurse Practitioner
Sister Dawn McCarthy
Early Pregnancy Nurse Practitioner
Introduction
Our Early Pregnancy Clinic (EPC) provides a streamlined nurse led service always supported by junior doctors and Consultants as and when necessary for pregnant women with pain and bleeding in early pregnancy.
Who do we see?
- Pregnant women with pain or/and bleeding in early pregnancy up to 20 weeks
- Pregnant women with high risk of an ectopic pregnancy
What should you expect at your visit?
You will see a Nurse Specialist who will ask you for details of your symptoms and arrange for a scan where appropriate. You will be asked to provide a urine sample and you may be required to have some blood tests. The nurse will see you again after your scan and plan a treatment for you. You may have to return for blood tests or scans and will be advised. We endeavour to give you appointments that suit you but this may not always be possible.
You will be required to have an appointment to attend the clinic – 01582 718179.
Referral Process
- Via GP
- Via A&E
- By calling the clinic
Procedures Provided
Miscarriage: Conservative, Medical and Surgical.
You will be offered treatment options along with leaflets. The nurse will explain the benefits and risks of the procedures. We also offer evacuation of retained products of conception with or without local anaesthetic for selected group of women only.
Clinics
Monday to Friday 08.00 – 12.30 (Last scan appointment at 11.30)
Clinic re starts every weekday afternoon at 14.00 for both early pregnancy patients and gynaecological patients. (Last scan at 16.00)
Weekends and Bank Holiday Emergency Services
Early pregnancy clinic.
We are open every Saturday morning – the clinic runs from 08.30 – 12.30 with (last scan 11.30) by appointment only, no walk-ins.