Our Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit gives care for women with problems in early pregnancy (6-16 weeks of pregnancy).
We have two early pregnancy assessment units, one at Good Hope Hospital and one at Heartlands Hospital.
Good Hope Hospital
Found on the second floor of the Fothergill Block at Good Hope Hospital.
Heartlands Hospital
Found on the first floor of the Princess of Wales Women’s Unit at Heartlands Hospital.
Why am I being referred?
The most common reasons women are referred to the unit are:
- Bleeding and/or pain with a positive pregnancy test up to 16 weeks
- Women with previous ectopic pregnancy
- Women with previous molar pregnancy
- Women with hyperemesis gravidarum up to 16 weeks
Referrals can also be made if a problem is suspected after an early pregnancy ultrasound scan in another setting. For example, a private scan.
Within the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit, we do transabdominal (on your tummy) and transvaginal (inside your vagina) ultrasound scans.
If you have an ongoing pregnancy, you will be advised to arrange your antenatal care via your community midwife.
It may not be possible to interpret the scan results on your first visit. You may hear the term ‘pregnancy of unknown location’ used in this situation. The reasons for this are:
- It is too early in the pregnancy to see the baby on ultrasound scan
- The pregnancy is not growing as it should (possible miscarriage)
- The pregnancy may be growing outside of the womb (ectopic pregnancy)
You may need more than one scan and a series of blood tests to confirm what is happening with your pregnancy.
The frequency and timing of the scans will depend upon how many weeks pregnant you are and what the initial scan shows.
How to access the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit
Assessment is by appointment only
Ultrasound scanning appointment times are from 08:30 – 18:00, Monday to Friday. You will be offered the next available appointment time. We aim to offer an ultrasound scan within 48 hours of a referral.
You can be referred to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit via a clinical assessment in the following settings:
- Emergency department
- GP
- Community midwife
- NHS 111
- West Midlands Ambulance Service
- Private scan companies
- Abortion providers
Please do not turn up to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit without a clinical assessment from a medical provider. It is important you are assessed and seen in the right place.
However, please call the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit anytime to talk about any concerns you may have. The specialist nurses will tell you where to go. This is available 24/7.
Within this information, we may use the terms "woman" and "women". However, we recognise that not only people who identify as women may want to access this content. Your care should be personalised, inclusive and sensitive to your needs, whatever your gender identity.
Last reviewed: 29 January 2025