Early Pregnancy Information Centre
The aim of the Association of Early Pregnancy units (AEPU) is to provide support and resources to help patient choice and maintain standards in Early Pregnancy Care.
There are over 200 Early Pregnancy units across the UK in NHS hospitals.
Early pregnancy care involves doctors, nurses, ultrasonographers, midwifes and support staff.
The AEPU was recognised by The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
What Is An Early pregnancy Unit
An Early Pregnancy Unit is a specialist unit that provides care for women with problems in early pregnancy. This often centres around the provision of an ultrasound scan to confirm the location and viability of a pregnancy. Units can also provide treatment for women diagnosed with complications such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. They are staffed by specialist nurses, midwives, sonographers, doctors and other health professionals.
Why Would I Be Seen In An Early Pregnancy unit
The commonest reasons women are referred to an Early Pregnancy Unit are bleeding and/or pain with a positive pregnancy test. Some women are referred for specialist care if a problem is suspected after an early pregnancy ultrasound scan in another setting, such as the community. Women may also be referred based on their previous history of problems in early pregnancy, such as an ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy or multiple miscarriages.
How Do I Get Seen In An Early pregnancy unit
Usually you will be referred to a specialist Early Pregnancy Unit by another health professional such as a GP or emergency department, practitioner and be offered an appointment. In certain circumstances some units allow self-referrals, usually based on previous history.
Please see our interactive map for your closest unit.