Early pregnancy assessment clinic (EPAU)
The early pregnancy assessment clinic is an emergency service if you are between 7 and 15 weeks pregnant and experience pain or bleeding.
On this page
You may also be referred to the clinic if you have had a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
The clinic runs 7 days a week from the gynaecology outpatients department at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Clinic times vary - see 'Your Appointment' section.
Referrals
Referrals are usually made by your GP, midwife or healthcare professional. However, you can self-refer if you have previously had an ectopic or molar pregnancy by calling us on 0300 422 5549.
You may be referred if:
- you experience pain or bleeding during your pregnancy
- you are experiencing severe pregnancy sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum)
- you have had a miscarriage
- you have had an ectopic pregnancy
We do not offer a drop in service, but aim to offer appointments within 48 hours of referral.
Our team
The clinic is run by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including:
- a consultant gynaecologist
- advanced nurse practitioners
- sonographers
We also have trainees in our clinic who may observe appointments as part of their training. They may include:
- junior doctors
- medical students
- nursing students
- midwifery students
Your appointment
We offer appointments Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4pm, and weekends and bank holidays 8.30am to 1.30pm.
You should allow 2 hours for your appointment, as emergencies may cause delays. Clinic times may vary.
When you arrive, you will be seen by an advanced nurse practitioner or a doctor. They will ask questions about your symptoms, and you may be offered an ultrasound scan or blood tests.
Most of our ultrasound scans are performed by placing an ultrasound probe inside the lower part of your vagina. This is called a transvaginal scan, and it can provide much clearer images in early pregnancy. It is not harmful to your baby and should not be painful.
You may require follow up appointments, which will be booked with you during your initial appointment at our clinic.
Contact us
You can call us on 0300 422 5549 to speak to a member of our team. If you have to leave a message, please include:
- your name
- your date of birth
- a contact phone number
- the reason for your call
You can find us in the gynaecology outpatient department, on the ground floor of the Women’s Centre. Find out more about getting to our hospitals.