17-18 NOVEMBER 2022
The aim of the Association of Early Pregnancy units (AEPU) is to provide education and resources to healthcare professionals working in early pregnancy to improve / maintain standards in provision of care to women and their partners in early pregnancy.
Early pregnancy care involves doctors, nurses, ultrasonographers, midwives and support staff.
The AEPU is recognised by The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
There are over 200 Early Pregnancy units across the UK in NHS hospitals.
Contact Email: aepu@rcog.org.uk
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 on 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.
What services are offered 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.
What are the referral criteria for an Early Pregnancy Unit
Referrals are usually made by a health care professional such as a GP, Midwife, Emergency Department, or Urgent Care Practitioner or via a community clinic on an appointment basis. Some units allow self-referrals.
Please see our interactive map for your closest unit.