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Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) - West Middlesex Hospital

Welcome 

At the Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU), we provide emergency and support for women with complications in early stages of pregnancy up to 17+ 6 weeks.  We offer urgent scans and blood tests, and also provide emergency care for acute gynaecology complications unrelated to pregnancy through a direct internal referral from our Emergency Department/other services.

Our services:

  • Same day emergency care
  • Urgent scans and blood tests
  • Support during the first 17 weeks of pregnancy

Your Appointment

Appointments are usually by referral only, often by your GP, your midwife or a doctor from our emergency department. If you have a history of ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy or more than three previous miscarriages, you can self-refer.

Due to limited space, we can only accommodate one adult to accompany you. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate young children and babies in the unit.

Please inform us at the time of your visit if:

  • you are Rh negative and you are bleeding after 12 weeks or you are having a surgical procedure, as you may need Anti-D
  • you are at high risk of blood clots
  • you are taking any medications or have any medical problems that may worsen in pregnancy

We ask for your consent to send letters to your home and GP. However, scan reports are visible to your GP on the London Care Exchange. Should you wish to opt-out of this, please inform the Trust. Do note that this applies to all your medical records and could pose a health risk.

At your appointment you will be seen by one of our specialist nurses, a doctor or a sonographer.  Appointments are usually 30 min long and may involve a scan and/or blood tests.

Scans

If a scan is necessary, it will typically be an internal transvaginal scan. This involves inserting a small probe into the vagina to obtain a detailed picture of your womb. This procedure is safe for your pregnancy and should not cause any harm. Whilst you may experience a bit of discomfort, it should not be painful.

If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant, you will be asked to empty your bladder before the scan, as your bladder must be empty for an internal scan. On the other hand, if you are more than 12 weeks pregnant, you will usually have a tummy (transabdominal) scan which requires a full bladder. If you would like a chaperone present during the scan, please inform us in advance.

In early pregnancy the scan helps us to confirm the location of the pregnancy, measure the baby’s size to estimate how far along you are and detect a heartbeat. We also look for signs of any complications, such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, and assess the health of your uterus and ovaries.

After the Scan

We will discuss the available treatment and management options with you based on the results of the scan. You are welcome to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have. If your pregnancy is normal, please register using the trust booking online form. You may also be required to return for a follow-up appointment, where further scans, blood tests or a doctor's review may be carried out.

If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to use the contact details provided.  We may not be able to answer your call immediately due to the high volume of patients we see.  If you leave a message with your contact details, including your NHS number or hospital number If possible, and we will respond to you as soon as possible.

Waiting Times

We always endeavour to see patients within 24-48 h of referral and at their appointment time. However, due to the emergency nature of our service, we cannot guarantee that you will be seen within this timeframe. We understand that this can be a stressful time, and our team is here to support you.

Please:

  • Make sure we have your correct contact details so we can reach you if necessary. If you have not heard from us within 48h, please contact us.
  • Carry out a pregnancy test at home prior to your appointment if you have had heavy bleeding and let us know if this is negative.
  • Arrive on time for your appointment.

Unfortunately, if you arrive more than 15 minutes late, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

  • Let us know if you have any concerns or questions before your appointment and any special requirements, such as an interpreter or wheelchair access.

If, whilst waiting for an appointment at the EPU, you experience any of the following symptoms, please seek medical attention:

  • Severe pain in the lower abdomen
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Severe nausea or vomiting
  • Feeling dizzy or faint
  • Feeling feverish

Our Team

At the Early Pregnancy Unit, you may meet some of our experienced team comprising of:

  • Doctors and sonographers
  • Nursing Staff
  • Admin Staff

Interpreters

We can use language line for a wide range of languages. Please let the staff know that you need assistance, and this can be arranged for the appointment.

Useful patient information

Mental Health support:

Contact Information

Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU)
East Wing, 2nd Floor (main hospital building)
West Middlesex University Hospital
Twickenham Road, Isleworth
TW7 6AF

Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm

T: 020 8321 6070
Text message: 07920 020 800
E: caw-tr.WestMidEPU@nhs.net

Contributors
Camelia King-Martey