Why have I been referred to the Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU)?
You have been referred to the Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) after visiting the Emergency Department with bleeding or abdominal pain during early pregnancy.
In most cases, these symptoms can be safely managed at home, and you will be asked to return for the next available EPU appointment.
However, if the bleeding is very heavy or the pain is severe and unmanageable, you may need to stay in hospital.
At the EPU, a specialist doctor or nurse will assess your condition, explain what tests or scans are needed, and guide you on the next steps.
What can I do before my EPU appointment?
We understand this may be a difficult and worrying time.
If you want more support or information before your appointment, please refer to the Further Information section at the end of this leaflet for helpful websites.
What happens at my EPU appointment?
When you arrive at the EPU:
- A nurse or doctor will ask questions about your pregnancy and symptoms.
- You will be asked to provide a urine (pee) sample to confirm your pregnancy.
If your test is positive, you may need an ultrasound scan to check your pregnancy. This is often a transvaginal ultrasound, which gives clearer images early in pregnancy.
What is a transvaginal ultrasound scan?
A transvaginal ultrasound involves gently inserting a small probe into your vagina. This allows us to get clear images of your uterus and other internal structures.
- It is a safe and painless procedure that does not harm the baby.
- These scans are performed only during EPU appointments, by trained staff.
What if it is too early to see anything on the scan?
Sometimes, if the pregnancy is still at a very early stage, nothing may be visible on the scan.
If this happens:
- You may be asked to return for a repeat scan or
- You might need blood tests to check your hormone levels.
Your care team will explain everything clearly during your visit.
When to seek urgent medical help
While waiting for your appointment, please seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad in under an hour)
- Severe lower abdominal pain not relieved by paracetamol
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fever
Your appointment
Your EPU appointment would have been booked for with the following details:
- Location
- Date
- Time
How to find the EPU
At Royal Sussex County Hospital:
- Level 11, Kemp Tower Block
- Telephone 01273 664402
- Open Mon to Fri 8.00am to 4.00pm by appointment only
At Princess Royal Hospital:
- Horsted Keynes Ward (2nd floor)
- Telephone 01444 441881 Extension 8370 or Extension 5686
- Open Mon, Wed, Fri 8.30am until 12 noon by appointment only
Where can I look for further information?
You can find out more about the EPU on the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust Early Pregnancy Unit webpage.
Searching on the internet may give you lots of results. It is sometimes difficult to tell good, reliable information from bad. The sites below will give you advice and information about different topics, some of which may not be relevant to you.
- The Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists
- The Miscarriage Association
- The Association of Early Pregnancy Units
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information in this article is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
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