Can I bring someone with me?
One person will be allowed into the scan room. You are welcome to bring your partner or a friend/relative.
We advise you to make alternative arrangements for children, however we do appreciate this is not always possible. If you are unable to arrange childcare, please be aware you are responsible for the safety of your children at all times.
What will happen during my visit?
The nurse will take your history to find out why you are visiting us and find out what has happened to you in the past. We appreciate this can be stressful and will try to obtain as much as we can from your hospital notes. Sometimes, however, we get the best understanding by asking you directly.
You will be offered a transvaginal ultrasound scan. This is an internal scan which gives the best images of your pregnancy when you are less than 12 weeks' pregnant. It is completely safe and does not cause miscarriage.
The sonographer scanning you will provide a report for the nurse to discuss with you and will decide to discharge you or arrange a follow-up. If your pregnancy is progressing as expected, they will be able to print you out a photograph and show you your baby on the screen.
Will the scan harm my baby?
A transvaginal scan will not harm your baby or cause you to miscarry.
Do you need to drink plenty of fluids before your scan?
No for an internal scan we need an empty bladder. You will be asked to use the toilet before your scan.
Can an internal scan still be done if the patient is bleeding?
Yes, we can still scan you if you are bleeding. We are used to scanning ladies who are bleeding in early pregnancy - please do not worry about this.
What will happen at my appointment?
After booking in at the desk you will be called into one of our scan rooms where a nurse will ask you about your medical and pregnancy history.
You will then have your ultrasound scan with a sonographer and the nurse will explain the scan findings.
The appointment should take around 30 minutes, but may take longer depending on the scan findings.
We aim to keep the clinic running on time but if a patient before you has unfortunately received bad news this can impact on waiting times.
What will happen after the scan?
The following are likely outcomes:
- We see a pregnancy with a heartbeat and we can discharge you.
- We see a very early pregnancy before the heartbeat stage and we offer to rescan you in one to two weeks to ensure that the pregnancy is progressing ok.
- Sadly some women who visit the EPAU will be diagnosed with a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy and they will need further treatment and possibly an admission to hospital.
- We may not see a pregnancy on the scan, either inside or outside of the womb. If your pregnancy test is still positive, we will advise that we do a blood test to monitor your pregnancy hormone also known as bHCG Level. The reasons for this will be explained further at your appointment.
Can I be seen in the EPAU again?
If you experience further bleeding, symptoms related to the loss of pregnancy or pain which concerns you, please contact us again and a further appointment will be made. We can see you in EPAU up to 18 weeks of pregnancy.
