Early Pregnancy Unit
We provide care for women experiencing concerns in early pregnancy and acute gynaecology (non-pregnancy) complications.
Consultations are by appointment only and women can only be referred to our unit by a healthcare professional (such as a midwife, GP or Emergency Department doctor). The exception to this is women who have experienced a previous ectopic pregnancy or have been under the care of a recurrent miscarriage clinic.
Women who require urgent medical attention must present to the Emergency Department for assessment.
We are open 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays). We are located on the 1st floor of the Waddesdon Wing at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
What we do
Our specialist nurses, doctors & sonographers consult with women and may provide:
- Ultrasound scans
- Blood tests
- Counselling regarding early pregnancy complications
- Medical and surgical treatment for early pregnancy and acute gynaecology complications
- Follow up consultations
- Onward referral to specialist teams
Your appointment at the Early Pregnancy Unit
When you arrive, please complete the form given to you at the reception desk. Check your personal details and include any relevant medical information. Please ask if you need help filling in the form.
The clinic has timed appointments. At times emergency patients will take priority and you may have to wait a little longer for your scan.
A urine sample will be taken to check a pregnancy test. A scan will be performed by a sonographer or consultant gynaecologist only if your pregnancy test is positive. If your pregnancy test is negative a scan will not be performed and a nurse will offer you advice.
Children, partners, family & friends
Babies and children are not permitted in the Early Pregnancy Unit. We aim to provide a calm environment for the women in our care as sometimes we are supporting women through early pregnancy loss and other bad news. You are welcome to bring a partner, family member or friend with you to your appointment.
Ultrasound scans
You do not need to attend the early pregnancy unit with a full bladder. In most cases the scan will be performed internally (transvaginally). In the first few weeks of pregnancy, the womb (uterus) is still within the pelvis and it is easier to see a pregnancy and other pelvic structures with an internal scan. The ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina.
Talk to your sonographer/consultant if you are not happy to have an internal scan.
After 10 weeks of pregnancy, you will usually have a transabdominal scan with the probe placed externally on the skin of the lower tummy (abdomen). You may also still require an internal scan, particularly if you have presented with pain or heavy bleeding.
Both ways of scanning are safe and do not increase the risk of a miscarriage. If further information is required, we will advise you to have a repeat scan 7-14 days later.
Following the scan the nurse will discuss the scan findings and the next steps in your care.
Blood tests
You may need to have blood tests to check hormone levels and possibly your blood group.
At all times we will talk to you about the findings of the scans and any blood tests that you may have a further scan or blood tests may be recommended at a later stage.
Booking for ongoing care in pregnancy (antenatal care)
If your ultrasound scan confirms an ongoing pregnancy, you can self-refer for antenatal care here.
Request a baby loss certificate
It’s free to get a certificate.
You do not need to request a certificate if you prefer not to. It’s optional.