The early pregnancy assessment service at Epsom and St Helier hospitals is for patients in the very early stages of pregnancy with concerns for the health of their baby.
You may self refer, although most women who attend the unit are referred by their GP or the A&E departments at Epsom and St Helier hospitals.
The main criterion for being seen is to have a positive result from a pregnancy test.
Patients who suffer the loss of a baby in the early stages of pregnancy may be referred to the Trust's midwife counsellor.
Criteria for admission to the early pregnancy assessment unit:
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A positive pregnancy test;
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Early pregnancy - up to 20 weeks gestation;
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Vaginal bleeding or pain;
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Previous ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy.
Women that have experienced a previous miscarriage, or require a dating scan, will be given an appointment to attend the Acorn clinic.
You will be seen by a midwife who will take a brief history and if appropriate, will offer you an ultrasound scan.
The ultrasound scan will either be performed by placing a probe over the lower abdomen, in which case a full bladder is required, or by placing a thin probe (covered by a latex condom) into the vagina - this is called a Trans-Vaginal (TV) scan.
High resolution trans-vaginal ultrasound scan has made it possible to visualise normal and abnormal embryonic development earlier and with greater detail, and thus provides more accurate information regarding your pregnancy. The TV scan is performed on an empty bladder, is safe to use in pregnancy and is generally not uncomfortable.
St Helier Hospital
On arrival, patients are handed an information sheet about the department, explaning how it works (particularly that due to the very nature of the department, if there are emergencies, the wait might be longer) and the criteria for being seen, together with a patient number and asked to take a seat.
Epsom Hospital
The eary pregnancy assessment unit at Epsom Hospital operates an appointment-only system for patients in the very early stages of pregnancy when they have concerns for the health of their baby.
Patients can self refer or be referred by their GP; the appointment system is generally for those patients requiring an early scan.
