Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic

The Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic is a nurse–led clinic which runs every weekday morning for women who have experienced pain or bleeding in pregnancy from six to 20 weeks. Patients are referred to the clinic by a healthcare professional such as a GP or midwife. A visit to the clinic usually involves a scan as well as seeing a specialist nurse for advice, information and support.

We understand that patients may be feeling anxious at this time and it is our aim to make visits to us as easy as possible.

The unit is located in Dorset County Hospital&#dash;s East Wing Outpatients Department, which can be found from East Wing Entrance 1. There is pay and display car parking at the hospital, although at times it can be difficult to find a space so you may want to allow some extra time for this. It is probably best to allow for two hours for your visit.

We advise that you have a light breakfast before 7:30am on the day of your visit and then just clear fluids to drink after that. It is helpful if you bring a specimen of urine with you.

What to expect at your appointment

You will have been given an appointment time, which includes seeing the nurse prior to having a scan. The nurse will take some general details and talk with you about the reasons for attending. Sometimes it is necessary to take a sample of blood to check your blood group.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to ask at this time. If a friend or relative is accompanying you they are welcome to be present with your consent.

Your scan will be from 9am and there will be delays at times. It is helpful to have a full bladder for an abdominal scan. Sometimes it is necessary to perform a vaginal scan if more detail is required. This is similar to having an internal examination and you should feel no more than minor discomfort. For this you will be required to empty your bladder.

Your privacy is respected at all times. If you would like more information about scanning please do not hesitate to ask the nurse.

After your scan the nurse will see you again to discuss the results and any further treatment that may be required. Sometimes there may not be a conclusive diagnosis and you may be advised to have another scan at a later date or have a blood test. The reasons for this will be explained to you clearly.

If when you get home you have any concerns please feel free to call the nurse on the number you will be given.