Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU)

The early pregnancy assessment unit (EPAU) is a specialist unit that manages early pregnancy problems such as vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. We see women and birthing people in the first 17 weeks of pregnancy only (up to 14 weeks at Basildon University Hospital).

We are a nurse-led service, supported by sonographers and the on-call gynaecology medical team, including a lead consultant gynaecologist. 

When necessary, our staff will provide ongoing support and advice either in person or by telephone.

Please note: This is not a walk-in service, we operate an appointment system only.

If you visit your GP, go to the emergency department, or consult with another healthcare professional, and they believe you should be referred to the unit, they can submit the referral via email using the following form:

 EPAU referral form

The team  assess your referral and then contact patients by telephone within a few days, so please check that all your contact details are up to date. You might just need a telephone consultation, but if you need an appointment, we'll arrange that with you.  The referral process:

1.  Patients attends GP
2. GP completes referral form and emails to the EPAU team
3. EPAU assess referrals
4. EPAU offeres telephone triage to patients
5. Appointment scheduled (some patients might not require a telephone consultation).

What to expect

You will be seen by a clinician and we might perform an ultrasound scan so that we can visualise the pregnancy. The scan may be done externally through the abdomen, or internally through the vagina. Neither of these are harmful to the pregnancy. Depending on the outcome of the scan, you might need a blood test.

For more information please contact your nearest EPAU service. Check locations below for opening times and contact details.